How do international organizations provide language services for professionals working abroad?

2 Interpretation services

Another common and important language service is interpretation, which is the process of converting spoken or signed language from one language to another. Interpretation services can help international professionals participate in meetings, events, or trainings that involve multiple languages. Interpretation services can be provided by simultaneous or consecutive interpreters, who can work on-site or remotely, using specialized equipment or software. However, interpretation services also have some challenges, such as the need for high-level skills, the possibility of errors or misunderstandings, or the fatigue and stress of the interpreters.

4 Language assessment

A fourth type of language service that can be useful for international professionals is language assessment, which is the process of measuring or evaluating the language proficiency or competence of a person or a group. Language assessment can help international professionals demonstrate their language qualifications, identify their strengths and weaknesses, or monitor their progress and improvement. Language assessment can be provided by standardized or customized tests, certificates, or portfolios, using various criteria and scales. However, language assessment also has some issues, such as the validity, reliability, and fairness of the instruments, the feedback and follow-up of the results, or the ethical and legal implications of the decisions.

5 Language policy

A fifth type of language service that can affect international professionals is language policy, which is the set of rules or guidelines that regulate the use and status of languages in an organization or a context. Language policy can help international professionals understand and comply with the expectations and requirements of their work environment, as well as respect and value the diversity and rights of the language communities. Language policy can be provided by official or unofficial documents, statements, or practices, using various principles and criteria. However, language policy also has some complications, such as the complexity, ambiguity, or inconsistency of the norms, the conflicts or tensions between different interests or perspectives, or the resistance or adaptation of the users.

6 Language support

A sixth and final type of language service that can support international professionals is language support, which is the process of providing or receiving assistance or guidance on language-related issues or tasks. Language support can help international professionals overcome their language difficulties, improve their language performance, or achieve their language goals. Language support can be provided by colleagues, managers, mentors, or advisors, using various tools and techniques. However, language support also has some constraints, such as the availability, accessibility, or suitability of the sources, the quality, relevance, or consistency of the advice, or the willingness, readiness, or responsiveness of the recipients.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?