Project Management Student Perspective Series#5- Languages in Project Management

Thomas

My experience is in line wiht yours as I worked in many countries overseas from the Middle East to the Far East and lately in North America.

Knowing the "necessary minimum" is enough to show respect to the people, their culture and language but it mastering the language won't help much.

I lived in China for 3 years and learned the bare minimum which was enough to keep me going on a personal and professioal level although most locals there don't speak english (taxi driver, local restaurants and so on).

RK

A necessary minimum is enough, along with the full understanding of cultural underpinnings and sensitivities is the gist I got from the responses thus far. Mastering a language or language as a project manager that works all over the world is not necessary although it will be a plus.

Please don't misinterpret what I am trying to say and refer to my original response above.

Mastering a language that works all over the world is a huge asset and a necessity and I personally find English to be that language. The "Necessary Minimum" applies to all languages others than the one that is used world wide.

For example, by having good command in the english language, I can almost manage anywhere in the world, even the middle east which is where I originally come from. I speak three languages: Arabic, English and French and know the necessary minimum of 4 more languages (Chinese, Persian, Russian and Japanese).

Out of all three languages I have good command on, I basically use the English language mostly and some verbal talk in Arabic with friends so assuming I don't know Arabic and French, things won't change much for me professionally.

Hope this expains.

Thanks for the clarification. I still intend to learn a second language because I understand its value. I already speak Fluent English so I presume I can manage in many countries. The aim is being multifaceted from my perspective.

That's a choice of yours to make depending on where you intend to venture to following your studies.

I can see that your command in the english language is outstanding, better than mine especially in the choice of words. Good for your Stephen !

There is value in learning additional languages beyond communication. I remember when I spent two months in Mexico, I learned a lot about the local culture and history of the people through the Spanish I picked up.