Navigating the intricate economic scenario of a nation is complex—it involves a myriad of factors that contribute to its competitiveness. Language proficiency is a crucial piece of the big puzzle that can significantly enhance a nation’s competitive edge, starting from within its organizations. The United States, with its multilingual and multicultural population, faces a high […]
Continue readingPresenting Your Language Qualifications to Potential Employers
The power of first impressions in shaping opinions is widely recognized. Demonstrating your abilities confidently through tailored resumes and cover letters that emphasize your language proficiency can be the decisive factor in securing a role in a company that truly values your potential as a candidate and future team member.
Continue readingLaying the Groundwork for AAPPL Testing to Start the Year
Ready or not, the start of a new school year is here. As language teachers launch their courses, this can be a great time to set the tone for a path towards the Seal of Biliteracy–even if AAPPL testing won’t occur for months (or years) for your students. Beginning the journey toward language development with […]
Continue readingReasons for the AAPPL Beyond the Seal of Biliteracy
My introduction to the AAPPL test came with the inception of the Seal of Biliteracy in the State of Iowa. Like many world language educators in Iowa at that time, my department began investigating the different ways that we could help our students prove their qualifications and obtain the Seal. Earning the Seal of Biliteracy […]
Continue readingNavigating the Multicultural Landscape Can Feel Like a Minefield
Diversity brings together a blending of cultures, heritages, languages, and norms that makes society more dynamic, interesting, and fulfilling. When this diversity is reflected in the workplace, it can bring the benefits of a variety of skills, cultural insights, innovative and creative ideas, as well as increased productivity and engagement, which gives a competitive advantage […]
Continue readingGetting Back to Business with Language and Cultural Proficiency
One million vaccinations a day was certainly a lofty proposition as we began the year grappling with how to effectively rid ourselves of COVID-19 and get back to business. As a business owner, diversity specialist, and community advocate, I wondered how this would be accomplished because I know there are still so many gaps in […]
Continue readingACTFL’s Oral Proficiency Interview Delivered Exclusively by LTI
Given how important spoken English is in a corporate environment for employees to be successful, it is essential to talk about standardized measures that are currently being used to measure these skills. The ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview, or just “ACTFL OPI®” is a holistic criterion-referenced assessment, because it measures a test candidate’s functional speaking proficiency […]
Continue readingWhy Language Training is Critical to a Business
The world is becoming more and more interconnected every day, and new technologies and digital platforms capable of bringing brands to any customer with access to the internet are the driving force behind this unstoppable phenomenon. Additionally, to help facilitate access to these new international markets, businesses are striving to increase cross-border trade, international investment, and […]
Continue readingDeveloping Talent: Language Proficiency Testing As Learning Impact Evidence
Building workforce capability is critical in achieving an organization’s strategic and operational objectives. Learning and development (L&D) is one of the primary talent management strategies for workforce capability building. L&D interventions could range from new hire orientation to technical skill training, compliance training, language training, or soft skill training to leadership development. The corporate L&D […]
Continue readingThe Importance of Spoken English in Today’s Global Work Environment
Writing in a language versus being able to speak or converse in a language are two different things. The skill of writing in a particular language can be obtained via classroom instruction, assignments, books, and dictionaries. On the other hand, communicating effectively in spoken English can be challenging, especially when it comes to the pronunciation […]
Continue reading