In a professional setting, communication is key as people work and spend time together. I believe that there are many benefits to knowing two or more languages in professional settings. One of the main strengths is the ability to communicate with a wider range of clients or customers. If you work in a field where you interact with people from different countries or cultures, being able to speak their language can help build trust and support. It can also make it easier to convey complex ideas or technical information. Another advantage is the ability to work in a multilingual team or in a global company. Knowing multiple languages can help facilitate communication and collaboration among team members who speak different languages, which can improve productivity and efficiency.
However, there are also some limitations to consider. One potential disadvantage is the time and effort required to become proficient in a second or third language. This can be especially challenging if you have to learn the language on your own or if you do not have the opportunity to practice regularly (Fuchs et al., 2020). Another limitation is the potential for misunderstandings or mistranslations. Even if you are proficient in a language, it can be difficult to fully convey the meaning or nuance of certain words or phrases (Ferreira and Yang, 2019). This can lead to confusion, which can impact the quality of your communication and damage relationships with clients or colleagues. In addition, I think that there are also cultural differences to consider. Language is closely tied to culture, and people from different cultural backgrounds may have different communication styles or expectations. This can make it harder to understand each other and can lead to miscommunications.
As it was mentioned in the post, I also struggled with language comprehension during my studies. Yet, I could manage this by doing writing and reading daily. The ability to understand spoken or written language is a crucial skill for effective communication. It is important for success in both personal and professional settings. There are several factors that can impact language comprehension. One of the most important is prior knowledge or familiarity with the language. If you have a strong foundation in a language, you are more likely to comprehend spoken or written language more easily (Jackson, 2022). Another factor is the clarity and simplicity of the language being used. If the language is clear and easy to understand, it will be easier to comprehend. On the other hand, if the language is complex or jargon-heavy, it can be more difficult to understand, even if you are familiar with the language.
The context in which the language is being used can also impact comprehension. If you are familiar with the topic or subject being discussed, it will be easier to understand the language being used. For example, when it comes to cultural topics, individuals who speak two or more languages can comprehend information more easily than the ones who know only one language (Brunfaut et al., 2021). There are also individual differences in language comprehension. Some people may have a natural aptitude for understanding language, while others may struggle more. In some cases, difficulty with language comprehension can be related to learning disabilities or other cognitive challenges. By building a strong foundation in a language, using clear and simple language, and considering the context and individual differences, it is possible to improve comprehension and facilitate effective communication.
References
Brunfaut, T., Kormos, J., Michel, M., & Ratajczak, M. (2021). Testing young foreign language learners’ reading comprehension: Exploring the effects of working memory, grade level, and reading task. Language testing, 38(3), 356-377. Web.
Ferreira, F., & Yang, Z. (2019). The problem of comprehension in psycholinguistics. Discourse Processes, 56(7), 485-495. Web.
Fuchs, L. S., Fuchs, D., Seethaler, P. M., & Craddock, C. (2020). Improving language comprehension to enhance word-problem solving. Reading & Writing Quarterly, 36(2), 142-156. Web.
Jackson, C. N. (2022). The psycholinguistics of adult second language acquisition. The Routledge handbook of second language acquisition and psycholinguistics, 38-49.