September 2004

The Business of Language is a guide to language and cultural issues.

European Day of Languages

September 26th is the annual European Day of Languages. Events will be taking place across Europe to celebrate linguistic diversity and lifelong language learning. Here in the North East the Regional Language Network is encouraging businesses to run events to celebrate the day. You can find some suggestions and further information on our website plus details of a competition to win a month-long Italian course in Florence!

The RLN North East has chosen to celebrate on Monday 27th September and will be running themed events within ONE NorthEast including a Language/Cultural skills breakfast for staff. Why not add your event to the European Database at http://www.ecml.at/edl and share your idea with businesses across Europe.

RLN NE - Business events

27th September, 'The Wonder of Communication'.
Business event at The ARC, Stockton-on-Tees for companies wanting to improve their international communication skills. Contact Gravity Consulting on 0191 383 2838 or send an e-mail to: info@gravity-consulting.com if you are interested in attending this event.

28th September, 'Business Opportunities in the Middle East Markets - Theory and Practice'.
Breakfast event to be held at the Holiday Inn, Seaton Burn. Contact Marie Pothron, marie@frenchbusinesscouncil.co.uk or Wibke Baumann, wibke@frenchbusinesscouncil.co.uk for further information.

15th October, 'Business Opportunities in the Middle East Markets - Theory and Practice'.
Breakfast event to be held at County Durham Cricket Club, Chester-le-Street. Contact Marie Pothron, marie@frenchbusinesscouncil.co.uk or Wibke Baumann, wibke@frenchbusinesscouncil.co.uk for further information.

Are you an SME based in the North East?

Want to achieve greater success in international markets?

The Regional Language Network North East is offering professional and financial assistance for:

Language coaching sessions

Business cultural briefings

Interpreters, technical translations, localisation of texts for search engines & websites

Contact Richard Sice for further information: richard.sice@rln-northeast.com (Please note European Regional Development Fund conditions do apply).

BLIS Professionals

Remember, businesses that are more culturally aware and that employ staff with languages can give themselves the edge over competitors - and gain respect from their overseas customers. If you think your company might benefit from access to a language trainer, translator, interpreter or cultural awareness trainer, contact Kasia Fiderkiewicz on 0191 229 6348, or log onto BLIS Professionals at: www.blis.org.uk/ne.

If you are a provider, you can also find out how to register your details either by contacting us directly or through the website.

New this month

The RLN North East website includes examples of good international communication practice uncovered at companies in the region - County Durham Starlift company Bison Bede, have shared their success story with us. You can find the details and more at www.rln-northeast.com/practice. And if you think your own business has a positive story to tell, just drop us a line at rln-northeast@onenortheast.co.uk

Quelle heure est-il?

A recent poll of 1500 workers by recruitment group Office Angels has revealed a need for basic language training for employees. Just 9% of British employees can count up to 20 in a second language whilst one in five thought 'Quelle heure est-il?' meant what day is it in French. 80% of those questioned were convinced that they should not worry about their lack of language skills as 'everybody speaks English'. However in an increasingly global economy, a growing number of employers are desperately looking for people with language skills able to converse with overseas clients. Paul Jacobs the group's Managing Director said "We are increasingly finding that even people with a second language at a basic level have better prospects in some industries than those without".

With another recent report by Grant Thornton showing that just 31% of executives in the North are able to negotiate in more than one language, almost 30% below the worldwide average of 59%, it is clear that North East businesses could benefit from some basic language training. The Regional Language Network North East can help your business with languages. Visit our website at http://www.rln-northeast.com for full details of our range of services available or contact Kasia Fiderkiewicz on 0191 229 6348 for assistance.

COMPETITION

You can win:-

• A Language Learning Pack to the value of £50; language and level of your choice

• A Hamper filled with Italian Goodies

• A Bottle of wine

To enter, simply answer the following questions:

1) There are approximately 172 million English speakers online. How many non-English speakers are there online?
a. 300 million?
b. 163 million?
c. 95 million?

2) Name 3 services offered by the Regional Language Network?

3) What percentage of British trade is with non-English speaking countries?
a. Over 50%
b. Over 60%
c. Over 70%

If you need help with the answers visit www.rln-northeast.com.

E-mail your answers to rln-northeast@onenortheast.co.uk by 5pm on Thursday 7th October, enclosing the name and e-mail address of a colleague who will receive future editions of The Business of Language.

The first three correct answers pulled out of the hat will be the winners of these fabulous prizes!!!

We are always interested to learn what you think of the newsletter and what sort of information you would like to read in future. E-mail: rln-northeast@onenortheast.co.uk with your ideas, comments and suggestions, or if you have any queries or wish to advise us of a change of e-mail address or contact details.

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