MOM 2006 journal for pdf.pmd - University of Michigan-Flint
MOM 2006 journal for pdf.pmd - University of Michigan-Flint
MOM 2006 journal for pdf.pmd - University of Michigan-Flint
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Chinese students regularly had as much as 20 hours per week <strong>of</strong> intensive language study as part<br />
<strong>of</strong> their <strong>for</strong>mal study. This CEO pointed out that it would be impossible <strong>for</strong> him to do such a<br />
presentation in his native German in the United States <strong>for</strong> business students.<br />
Our conclusion, based upon our interviews with members <strong>of</strong> the international business<br />
community in Oakland County, was that Americans do not seem to have kept up the pace with<br />
people from <strong>for</strong>eign countries in terms <strong>of</strong> placing their value on cultural and language<br />
acquisition. Foreign language and cultural expertise play an important role in daily business, and<br />
everyone recognized this. However, changes must occur within the educational system <strong>of</strong> the<br />
USA, as well as within the culture. If the geographical isolation <strong>of</strong> the USA has allowed<br />
Americans in the past to live without feeling the need to learn <strong>for</strong>eign languages, the USA is no<br />
longer as isolated as it was. The undervaluing <strong>of</strong> <strong>for</strong>eign language and culture skills is<br />
represented by making this knowledge ‘preferred’ and not mandatory <strong>for</strong> people applying <strong>for</strong> jobs<br />
in international companies. There is still a heavy reliance on interpreters. The outside perception<br />
<strong>of</strong> Americans may be that we do not need <strong>for</strong>eign languages to survive or succeed, but our<br />
contact with the people from the business community <strong>of</strong> Oakland County revealed that the need<br />
<strong>for</strong> <strong>for</strong>eign languages is real and urgent, along with the technical preparedness that is already<br />
recognized as essential <strong>for</strong> success.<br />
Works Cited<br />
Granholm, Jennifer. Oakland Press, 22 September, 2004.<br />
Schoonover, Penny. “Foreign Languages Desired But Unrequired: Results <strong>of</strong> an Idaho Survey.”<br />
ADFL Bulletin 13, no.4 (May 1982): 16-21.<br />
Voght, Ge<strong>of</strong>frey M., and Schaub, Ray. “Foreign Languages and International Business.”<br />
CAL Digest September 1992.<br />
Meeting <strong>of</strong> Minds <strong>2006</strong> 57