Language learning is rarely prioritised in collaborative endeavours and sadly, this is particularly true where native speakers of English are involved. With English being the number one choice of lingua franca in the world, many native speakers assume that making the effort to acquire even some basic phrases in another language is an unnecessary time-waster which will not really achieve very much. However, even when the interactional partners are highly proficient in the chosen working language, language learning efforts are never in vain. Despite the fact that learning a language can be time-consuming, daunting, and challenging, it can also be highly rewarding.

 

One benefit of learning another language lies in the fact that language proficiency is a window into the other person’s culture and may reveal the collaborative partner’s values and beliefs. It can thereby promote understanding of the partner and their practices, and aid more effective interaction. For those who are fluent but who nevertheless choose to use an interpreter, it has further advantages. If you can understand what your partner is saying in his/her native language, you will be able to make use of the duration of the translation to formulate your response, thereby enabling you to prepare better for your reply. Even the most basic skills in another language will be of help in trying to establish good relationships and positive impressions and will most likely be very well-received by interactional partners. Language learning is important for relationship building and maintenance, as it demonstrates an interest in the other’s language and culture and a willingness to make an effort. It offers multiple benefits, advantages and rewards, even at the most basic proficiency level, including signalling good-will to the collaborative partners.