Wanted:Workers With Foreign Language Skills

Foreign language skills give you an edge in today’s job market. Proficiency in English and Chinese is an especially desirable combination. English and Chinese are the two most-spoken languages in the world.
Many Western companies continue to expand rapidly into Chinese-speaking regions of Asia. At the same time, Chinese-speaking companies are increasing their presence in the West. As a result, both Western and Asia companies need Chinese-speaking workers who have strong English skills. Some local employers, such as Taiwan-based computer company Acer, have even made English their official company language.
Proficiency in both languages can help workers gain access to the best jobs. Many Chinese-speaking companies require that all managers possess excellent English skills.
But a big income and a high-level position aren’t the only perks. A career that requires two language can create other rewarding opportunities. Workers might be given more opportunities to travel or meet people from other countries.
Workers with skills in both languages also benefit the employer. They can help companies avoid the misunderstandings that often occur when people from different cultures do business. Let’s look at two interesting careers in which English and Chinese speakers are in demand.
Web site translators
After English, Chinese is the second most-used language on the Internet. From October 2004 to July 2005, the number of Chinese-speaking Web surfers increased by 18 million.
English-speaking employers want their Web sites translated into Chinese. But Chinese skills alone are not enough. Employers need Chinese-speaking workers who also have the language skills to understand English Web content. Such people will be sought after by Western companies to fill these translation jobs.
Business and marketing researchers
Many Western companies need employees who can market their products to Chinese-speaking customers. Similarly, Chinese-speaking employers need workers who can make their products desirable to Western buyers. Strong language skills are a must in this type of job. A good business sense and marketing know-how are also essential.
The need for proficiency in more than one language is unlikely to change. Knowing both English and Chinese can open up a world of opportunities. Consider how you can use your language skills in your career.


1.Summarize what the article is talking about:
English and Chinese are now in demand. People who are with English and Chinese skills are in demand for jobs in business and marketing research and Web site translating.


2.Write down any vocabulary words or phrases that you think:

i. Are difficult or you new to you: 1)Proficiency. 2)Perk. 3)In demand. 4)Be sought after.

ii. Are probably useful for you to learn/know: Employers need Chinese-speaking workers who also have the language skills to understand English Web content.


3.Say why you chose this article and how it relates to your life, your experience, you desires, etc:
Learning more than one language can lead to better jobs and opportunities to travel and meet people from other countries. I think that having more than one language is not only for seeking work bot also for myself. Like me, I like English, and I learn it. In the future, I want to study abroad; the environment of foreign countries appeals to me, and I want to improve my English.