Future Innovation - The Importance of Being multi-lingual
If you're new here at 2thinknow, and you're interested in the latest ideas on trends, companies and innovation, subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for your visit!
2THINKNOW COMMENT, Melbourne – “Left turn at Albuquerque.”
Unless you have watched Bugs Bunny you wouldn’t know that. But chances are you have. No matter where you live.
And you might know:
“Quoi de neuf, docteur ?” (Francais)
” Che succede, amico?” (Italiano)
“Hej šefe koji ti je vrag?” (Yugoslav)
“Eh, What’s Up Doc?” (English)
… or in any other language you care to name.
Bugs Bunny is a cartoon that has almost universal understanding across multiple languages all throughout the world.
Animation lends itself to universal communication.
Animation can be dubbed easily into any language. The lips moving don’t throw out the dubbing.
Italians, French, Germans, South Africans, Albanians, Japanese, South Koreans all watch Bugs Bunny.
Personally, I actually prefer to watch Tom & Jerry in Italian, it is funnier and sweeter.
Expect a more multi-lingual world.
Universal Language ?
One of the biggest trends in the world today is the push towards English as a universal Language. In emerging Eastern Europe English skills are valued highly.
And most Europeans speak decent English if they are doing business internationally.
Even in Paris many of the students in their early 20s, university-educated late teens have perfect English.
Where’s the problem then?
Unfortunately, most of us English-Speakers don’t speak decent French or German or Spanish or Russian.
This however will change, and using 2thinknow models, I believe we are in the infancy stage of this innovation being adopted.
5 reasons why language will become more multi-lingual
5. Habit: It’s hard to change your language
4. Expression: Some languages are better at expressing ideas than others
3. Business Advantage: Switching languages can be an advantage in negotiation. Being multi-lingual can open up new opportunities in global markets.
2. Family: Families talk in their own language at home.
1. Reaction: There will be a reaction against homogenisation of culture and language.
Of course, the analysis of such factors as which languages will spread globally or which cultures will potentially become dominant depend on your starting point, and a number of factors.
Multi-lingual elements of society are increasing, and with the second generation becoming increasingly bi- or tri-lingual. Despite a Harvard study pointing out the strains of multi-culturalism on social fabric, the trend is already in place.
But I would be very strongly surprised were there not a spread of language alternatives to English as the lingua franca of the world.
Accordingly, intelligent creatives & business people would prepare by acquiring multiple language skills.
This is aside from the cultural richness a 2nd or 3rd language gives a person.
It has always been a mark of intellect and cultural understanding to grasp a second langauge and culture.
Personally Speaking
I am someone who is pretty comfortable in a foreign country and has a good knowledge of global history and cultural differences.
So here’s my advice in a sentence:
The first step to understanding Global Innovation is:
All global is local.
Take care,
Looking forward to seeing you in French Class. I’m following my own advice!
Christopher!
Speaker. Author. Editor-In-Chief. Executive Director of Innovation, 2thinknow.
What's your View?
Or Follow us on Twitter or StumbleUpon