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For those of us involved in international trade, there are always conversations held in languages that we don't understand. Is something important being discussed? Are others developing rapport while we sit on the side?
Some leaders avoid doing business in countries where they don't understand the native language. For instance, an American company is far more likely to expand to Canada and Britain rather than to look further to places where business is done in foreign languages. Most North American business people learned at least a little foreign language in secondary school. But we are generally less comfortable leaving the security of English behind.
So, what does it take to learn another language and is that effort worth it?
How to Learn a Foreign Language
As someone currently working on a fifth language, I feel that nothing substitutes for learning the language as part of a cultural immersion. Jump into the deep end of the pool. If you are working overseas, try to make arrangements to live with a local family or roommates. This allows you to hear (and struggle) in the language every waking minute. Within two months of language immersion, you should be able to converse fairly well. Other methods can work such as language classes and language learning software, but it will take much longer. Language learning is much easier for those who learned their first foreign language early in life. It is also easier if you’ve already mastered one foreign language.
How Much Language Do You Need?
For basic and infrequent interactions, I find that very little language is required. I try to memorize some simple phrases in order to help put my counterparts at ease. I know these in many languages and often write a cheat sheet to pull from my desk for international calls. My favorite expressions:
* Hello/Goodbye
* Yes/No
* Good Morning!
* Good Evening!
* How are you? (and an answer for that question)
* Please
* Thank you
For those working more closely with a specific language-speaking group (clients, colleagues, etc.) more language skills are better than less. Generally, knowing 1,500 words is considered a beginner. Intermediate speakers typically know 3,000 words and can function well in a business environment. Advanced speakers know at least 5,000 words, understanding more technical terms and nuanced conversations. A fluent language speaker usually knows 15,000 words and can use them in almost every context. If your trips to a country are few and far between, then basic language skills may be more than enough. If you are living in country, definitely aim for fluency.
Why Learn the Local Language?
There are many reasons in business. First, knowing even some of the language builds faster rapport with international colleagues, partners, and clients. And most business does not occur until relationships are established. Second, it builds goodwill. People are more likely to give you the benefit of the doubt if they like you. Third, "lost in translation" happens very frequently. The more you know, the better business decisions you can make. Fourth, language helps to better understand cultural context. Many linguistic expressions provide key insights into how your foreign counterparts approach situations. And finally, being able to communicate in other languages is a competitive advantage for both your company and for you professionally. Native English speakers have an advantage in speaking the world's most commonly used business language. But as the U.S. continues to lose its footing as the largest world economy, this will start to shift in years to come. Already many jobs require foreign language fluency.
What's the Cost of Learning Another Language?
Learning a language to the point of fluency is a time-intensive process. That's why I would only recommend it for those working in country. There are software packages available at various price points. Rosetta Stone is the most expensive and my favorite of these tools. University classes can be expensive for credit, so I recommend looking for adult enrichment classes or private language schools. But both software prices and class tuition typically pale compared with the opportunity costs. How would you spend your time if you weren't memorizing vocabulary or learning a new sentence structure? For professionals in intense careers, languages may have to wait. On the other hand, if you have extra time between projects or are going through a job change, this might be a good time to improve your language skills.
| Product Model | Inside Diameter | Outside Diameter | Thickness |
| LBBR8/HV6 bearing | 8 | 15 | 24 |
| LBBR6A/HV6 bearing | 6 | 12 | 22 |