The language of business may be English, but there is a growing case for building better business relationships through enhanced cultural understanding, especially via language.

Unfortunately, language learning has never been a top priority in many western countries, especially in the U.S. and England, though some statistics suggest that is changing. According to a late 2007 USA Today report, college-level enrollment in Mandarin increased 51 percent since 2002.

While Spanish is still king for second language learning in the U.S., Australia’s proximity to China has meant a longer history of Chinese language study there.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd speaks fluent Mandarin, and it’s not just the Chinese people who have taken notice. According to Austrade, Australia’s export advisory organization, 42 percent of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) which currently export or plan to export to China believe his language abilities have led to a more positive business environment.

While it appears that none of the leading candidates in the upcoming U.S. election speak a word of Mandarin, some online users of Yahoo! Answers suggest they do speak a second language: “McCain probably still remembers Latin from the crusades, ” said one. “I’m not sure, but I know Hillary can talk out of both sides of her mouth,” says another.

Indeed, Teresa Heinz Kerry was probably the closest we ever got to a multi-lingual White House, but there is help available out there and hope for the future business leaders’ language abilities in the up-and-coming generation.

In order to help offset this barrier, Austrade currently has offices in 15 cities across China designed to help Australian businesses succeed not just in the financial and government centers of Shanghai and Beijing, but also in many lower-tier cities. The U.S. Commercial Service within the Department of Commerce (DOC) offers services in 14 other “emerging markets” within China as well.

The main benefit of these governmental services is their free, tailored services designed to help your business grow and prosper in China. According to the DOC website, there are services available to help find Chinese partners, get up-to-date market research, financial assistance information, trade show help, and personalized consulting. Austrade and many other countries have similar programs in place to help overcome the language barrier and break into the market.

While the U.S. may not find itself with a Mandarin speaking president anytime soon, using free, taxpayer supported governmental services may prove to be an even greater asset.

-For more information about free services, check out Austrade’s China website
or the U.S. Commercial Service website here.

    Channel: Local Wisdom     |