CBI/Pearson survey reveals need for emerging markets language skills

Languages such as Mandarin and Arabic are becoming increasingly in demand by business wishing to break into these new, fast growing markets, the new CBI/Pearson survey has revealed. The growing need for Mandarin and Arabic speakers was highlighted in particular, with the call for Arabic speakers growing by 7% since just last year.

Nearly half of businesses (41%) acknowledged a need for language skills, with the most sought after languages being French, German and Spanish. Polish, although remaining a popular language asset (with 19% of employers stating they required Polish language skills) has seen a marked drop from last year when it reached a high of 29%. It has since been overtaken by Mandarin and Arabic in employer popularity as companies try to break into new markets.

With the EU still our largest export market, it’s no surprise to see German, French and Spanish language skills so highly prized by companies. But with China and Latin America seeing solid growth, ambitious firms want the language skills that can smooth the path into new markets” – Katja Hall, CBI Deputy Director-General

You can read the full press release here: www.cbi.org.uk/media-centre/press-releases/2014/06/more-firms-demanding-language-skills-to-break-into-new-markets-cbi-pearson-survey/