English And Beyond: Best Languages to Learn for Business

The world of business has changed rapidly in the past decades. Globalization has made the knowledge of English necessary for any business or person who wants to thrive. But that’s just one side of the coin. On the other side, businesses from English-speaking countries are still expanding to other countries, and they do that in a way that is different from how international companies operated before.

If you are a business owner in the 21st century, you know what I’m talking about. You’ve likely hired individuals from other countries through a global freelance platform. You may have outsourced some of the work to an overseas agency. The next natural step, then, might be to create your own team and establish an office in one of those countries.

If that’s what you’re up to right now, you know what a difference it would make to have employees who already know the language spoken in that particular country. And not just one—you would need someone to manage the recruiting, someone to lead the team (or facilitate the communication between a local manager and yourself), and someone who would be able to deal with the administrative chaos that may emerge due to some regulations specific for that country—at the very least.

Language learning can transform your business and boost your profits

Imagine this scenario. You would like to move some aspects of your business to a country with liberal tax laws, an amazingly capable workforce, and significantly lower wages compared to those in your home country. You’ve put it on paper, and you know your profits will skyrocket. While devising the detailed plan with your team, you notice there’s an obstacle you haven’t thought of: none of the people you’re counting on to execute the shift speaks the language of that country!

Luckily, it is never too late to start learning a new language. And good for your company, there’s an option to buy a single subscription and to give several—or all your employees—a chance to learn the language quickly and efficiently.

If you’re looking to streamline your team’s language learning process, LiveXP’s corporate training options are worth considering. With LiveXP, you can access a wide range of tutors, including native speakers, and utilize handy learning tools, all under one subscription. You can also easily track your team’s progress, ensuring they’re on the path to meeting your business objectives. Plus, you’ll have a personal manager to guide you through the process, making billing a breeze with just one invoice.

And if your business would benefit from your staff speaking multiple foreign languages, it is good to know that learning all of them would still fall under one subscription on LiveXP. It would take place on a single platform, but each of your employees would get to choose their tutors based on their preferences and learning styles.

Best foreign languages to learn for business

If you’re certain that one of the least significant countries in the world is the best country for your business, you’ll definitely want your team to learn the local language—no matter how unpopular it may be.

In case you’re still considering the options and are unsure which foreign language is best to learn for your business, let’s see which ones are the hottest right now.  

Top business languages in 2023

English

English is the lingua franca of the global economy. It is spoken by people in all parts of the world, and it is the language of international business, diplomacy, and academia. Learning English will give you a significant advantage in any field, and it is a must for any business, regardless of its current country and future plans.

Mandarin Chinese

China is the second-largest economy in the world, and its influence is growing rapidly. Learning Mandarin Chinese will give you a competitive advantage in any field that is involved in trade or investment with China. That being said, in China, you’ll certainly find people who speak English. But if you want to gain trust and operate on a higher level in this country, you and your key team members must learn some Mandarin basics fast.

Japanese

Japan is a major economic power and a leader in many industries, such as technology and manufacturing. You’ll find English-speaking people there, but if you’re serious about doing business with Japanese people, you’ll want to gain some cultural understanding and make meaningful connections. In that case, learning Japanese is a necessary step toward progress.

German

Learning German is a wise choice as it provides access to Germany’s robust economy and the broader European market, which is full of opportunities. Germany is a major player in the global economy, offering numerous job prospects and trade possibilities. Proficiency in German facilitates effective communication, strengthens business relationships, and grants access to a skilled workforce, cutting-edge technologies, and a substantial consumer base. Moreover, mastering the language can be a strategic advantage for those aiming to excel in Germany’s export-oriented industries and thrive in the heart of Europe.

Hindi

India’s economy is growing fast, and it’s a bustling global market with tons of opportunities. When you know Hindi, you can connect with a massive consumer base since it’s one of the most spoken languages in India. This language skill makes it easier to communicate effectively with Indian partners, clients, and employees, which can lead to strong business relationships. Plus, having a good grasp of Hindi can give you a competitive edge when navigating India’s diverse business landscape, including sectors like technology, manufacturing, and services.

French

Beyond being the official language of France, French is also widely spoken in numerous countries across Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, making it one of the most geographically diverse languages. This linguistic versatility opens doors to a multitude of global markets, particularly in regions like West Africa and parts of Canada, where French is a key language for business and trade. Furthermore, French is a prominent language in international diplomacy and trade, with France being one of the world’s largest economies.

Spanish

Spanish is not only the official language of Spain but also of numerous countries in Latin America, including Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile. This linguistic diversity opens doors to a vast and growing consumer market, as Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages globally. Latin America, in particular, is a region with significant economic potential and opportunities for trade and investment. Furthermore, Spanish is crucial in various industries, such as tourism, international relations, and healthcare. For business, it means improved communication with Spanish-speaking partners, clients, and employees, thereby fostering strong business relationships. Given the prominence of Spanish in the global landscape, learning the language can offer a competitive edge when exploring Spanish-speaking markets, enabling businesses to tap into a rich array of prospects for expansion and collaboration.

Turkish

Learning Turkish for business can greatly benefit companies looking to engage in the dynamic Turkish market. Turkey’s economy has been steadily growing, and its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia offers unique trade advantages. Proficiency in Turkish not only opens doors to a vast consumer base but also demonstrates cultural respect and facilitates smoother negotiations with local partners and clients. This language skill can be a valuable asset in navigating government regulations, understanding business etiquette, and building strong professional networks, ultimately contributing to the success of your business endeavors in Turkey.

Korean

Learning Korean offers businesses a unique edge, especially considering South Korea’s global leadership in technology and entertainment. Iconic Korean companies like Samsung, Hyundai, and K-pop labels have achieved worldwide recognition, making South Korea a hotbed of innovation and creativity. Proficiency in Korean directly opens doors to understanding and collaborating with these influential players, allowing businesses to explore strategic partnerships, licensing opportunities, and market entry prospects specific to South Korea’s industry landscape.

Arabic

The Middle East is an increasingly influential region with significant economic potential. Arabic is the primary language in numerous oil-rich countries and emerging markets. By gaining proficiency in Arabic, we can establish stronger connections with potential partners and clients in the region, effectively navigating cultural nuances and communication barriers.

Portuguese

Portuguese is a language of growing significance in the business world, particularly due to the economic prowess of Brazil, the largest economy in South America. Proficiency in Portuguese provides a direct gateway to this vibrant market, facilitating communication and relationship-building with potential partners and clients. Beyond Brazil, Portuguese is also spoken in Portugal and several other countries, creating opportunities for broader international business ventures. Learning Portuguese can be a strategic move for businesses looking to capitalize on the diverse opportunities offered by Portuguese-speaking regions, from South America to Europe and Africa.

Italian

Italian is a language celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, but it also plays a significant role in the world of business. Italy boasts a diverse economy with strengths in manufacturing, fashion, automotive, and design. Proficiency in Italian can be a valuable asset for companies seeking to engage with Italian partners, suppliers, or clients. Furthermore, Italy is a gateway to the European market, making Italian an advantageous language for those looking to establish a presence within the European Union.

LiveXP offers convenient corporate language learning options for all these languages—and many more. You only have to choose the language and let one of our dedicated personal managers handle the process for you and your team.