Technology, cultural indentity and multilingual employees

Technology, cultural identity and multilingual employees

In today's fast-paced and technologically-driven world, the diversity of languages and the preservation of heritage culture holds undeniable importance. As we immerse ourselves in the ever-evolving realm of technology, the need to protect and celebrate our linguistic and cultural diversity becomes even more crucial. Language is not only a means of communication but also a reflection of our unique identities and histories. It allows us to express our thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that is deeply rooted in our cultural heritage. Preserving our languages is essential for maintaining cultural diversity and promoting inclusivity in a globalized society. It is through language that we are able to connect with others, bridge gaps, and foster understanding and appreciation for one another's rich cultural tapestry. Therefore, we must recognize the value of our languages and actively work towards their preservation for future generations.

To reinforce the importance of developing Heritage Language with children and youth, we highlight the the National Foreign Language Center conducted a survey in 2014 of US employers in the government, for-profit and nonprofit sectors in 49 states and DC about their requirements for multilingual employees. The study identifies the employment sectors most likely to value multilingual workers and describes which skill sets were most coveted in conjunction with foreign language ability. The results of this research are foundational for educational programs seeking to understand the value of language in the labor market and are described in: "The Demand for Multilingual Human Capital in the U.S. Labor Market" by Damari, Rivers, Brecht, Gardner, Pulupa, and Robinson (2017), published in Foreign Language Annals.

https://nflc.umd.edu/resources/do-employers-value-employees-language-and-culture-skills

Proficiency in the traditional language can significantly increase employment opportunities. In an interconnected global economy, being bilingual is often considered an advantage in many sectors such as international business, diplomacy, translation and tourism. Americans with heritage language skills have a competitive advantage in these industries, making them valuable candidates for jobs that require effective cross-cultural communication. Despite the advantages, to develop the heritage language there are challenges. The prevalence of English as the dominant language, generational changes and limited resources for language study can constitute obstacles to maintaining heritage languages. Language policies, community support and educational initiatives are key to overcoming these barriers.

Government policies can also influence heritage language retention. Supporting bilingual education programs and providing funding for heritage language maintenance initiatives or adopting the Liaison Heritage Language platform can encourage individuals to value and continue to use their heritage languages. These efforts not only enrich the nation's linguistic landscape, but also contribute to a more inclusive and culturally diverse society.