The “raison d’être” of Bilingualism in the Workplace

 It is a well known fact that bilingualism in the workplace is an asset. Bilingualism can enhance your resume, give you an edge over other applicants and can even help you develop a deeper relationship with clients by better understanding their needs. 

 Top 10 Benefits of Being Bilingual:

1. More job opportunities
2. Better job security
3. Deeper cultural understanding
4. Breaks down communication barriers
5. Meet new people
6. Expand your thinking
7. Broaden your horizons
8. Helps you to make connections
9. Facilitates the learning of third or fourth language
10. Combat ignorance

 What is bilingualism?

Webster’s Dictionary defines bilingualism as “the ability to speak two languages”.  However, it must be noted that there is a distinct difference between basic comprehension of two languages and fluency in two languages. 

When employers list French as a requirement, the applicant knows that a high level of proficiency is expected. For example, because the majority of my day as a bilingual project leader at CSC is spent speaking, reading, and writing in French, I know that bilingualism is a requirement in my job.

You might be asking, what if I can easily read French but have trouble participating in a conversation? What if I can speak French but don’t understand all of the grammatical rules necessary for writing in French? Will I be able to get the job done?

The answer to these questions depends on your comfort level with the language. If you feel comfortable speaking another language, even if you make a mistake, you’re still further ahead than someone who avoids speaking the language for the fear of making a mistake. Keep in mind that because languages are a mode of communication and can be used at a whole range of understandings, perfection does not have to be the end goal. In the workplace, the level of language that is expected for a job should be something that you are comfortable with.  If you are comfortable reading, writing, and conversing in another language, your confidence will surely be noticed. It has been my experience that people appreciate the efforts of others to speak their language, even if it isn’t perfect.

 Here are some ways to get comfortable with a second language:

1. Practice, practice, practice.  The saying is true: what you don’t use, you lose.  
2. Immerse yourself.  Go to an area where they only speak French.
3. Join a class.  It is always a good idea to brush up on your skills with the help of an expert.
4. Join a group.  There are lots of people who would love to practice too.
5. Watch French TV.  Lots of people have learned English this way.
6. Read in French.  Read anything you can in French (book, magazine, newspaper, menu)
7. Listen to French.  There is so much French around us.  Listen to the radio, audio books, songs, etc.
8. Use the internet.  There are a lot of great resources on the web to help you learn, including chat groups and courses.

-Carrie McLaren, Bilingual Project Leader