English is not enough, CILT study finds

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The National Centre for Languages, highlights good practice existing in UK-based multinational companies. "Talking Sense: A Research Study of Language Skills Management in Major Companies" was commissioned by the Learning and Skills Council as part of its support for implementation of the government's national strategy for languages for England.

The research results are based on a telephone survey and a series of interviews with senior personnel in six UK-based companies:

• AstraZeneca
• The BMW Group
• Deutsche Bank
• Eversheds
• Gazeley Properties (a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart)
• GlaxoSmithKline

As preliminary results the study reveals that British business lacks savoir-faire of international communication. In the announcement published by CILT the findings are summarized and inform the reader that

• business in Britain risks being overshadowed by continental competitors who are more willing to communicate in other languages.
• in many UK businesses there exists a continued over-reliance on English.
• Companies lack language awareness, language-management strategies and the ability to respond to international clients and suppliers

source:  CILT