Languages are essential if you want to win other peoples’ respect and trust. If you want to sell your goods or buy theirs you need trusted languages, if you want to take part in their culture you must understand the language. This works both ways.
In Norway today the learning of foreign languages is being reduced – English is enough. This is not true – we need more. Not long ago we did 3 foreign languages in Norwegian schools. Mandarin Chinese, Arabic anyone? Hindi, Punjabi? And French too?
The world is opening up – we go everywhere – we need more languages. If we want to deal deeply with others the language must be shared.
So go ahead – pull in the languages – it will be enriching. It is fun and social as well! And business will prosper.
Wrong thinking, Mr. Djupedal!
