Working language is a language of paramount importance. It serves as a tool of day-to-day communication for professionals. The working languages usually appear in a company, state, and similar social institutions. Sometimes official groups can establish several working languages. This situation is common among societies where the linguistic variety is remarkably diverse.
The goal of the working language is to unite people. And, of course, create space for effective collaboration. This article will focus on general aspects of working languages. The experience of the largest transnational organizations will also be considered.
Undoubtedly, shared working language should have a superior status. Official meetings, presentations, and high-level discussions must be held in one language. The same goes for papers. Official documents require beforehand translation.
At this point, we should divide the term of a working and official language. The first one is generally linked to the daily communication of a group of specialists. Therefore, working language serves for practical needs. In contrast, the official language deals with the results of the working process. It allows broader masses to understand what aims were achieved and by what means.
Both official and working languages enable members to find common ground and, therefore, understand each other. If people do not see eye to eye, the company or state has small chances to achieve its goals.
The system of translation is worth mentioning too. If the international body decides to adopt a language, it should find professional interpreters to serve its needs. Not everybody can achieve fluency in a foreign language. Sometimes it can cause problems. For instance, when qualified staff is struggling to comprehend the information. These situations can prevent them from performing highly responsible tasks or even from upward mobility. Unfair, isn’t it?
For this matter, international institutions work up a program to help those people. A great example gives us the United Nations. Currently, it has six working languages. They include English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Arabic.
The UN is known for being the largest employer of accomplished linguists. It runs a communication department that supports multilingualism among the workers. Member states can use any language for presentation deliveries. Although, the information must come with translation into any of the six working languages. By the way, the organization is the one that provides professionals for interpretation.
In conclusion, a working language is a perfect tool for multinational communities. No surprise, so many large companies implement such instruments into practice. It not only provides a platform for effective cooperation, but also unites culturally diverse societies.