[ElJefe]

(03-04-2013 08:35 AM)Kentucky Wrote:  

(03-04-2013 06:01 AM)ElJefe Wrote:  

Isn't there automatic value in being a Spanish/Portuguese/Russian speaking Westerner (ie. Northern European)?

Can't speak for everyone but as an interviewer I can say that I'm not impressed by French or Spanish. Many people say they speak them and I see it as an 'easy language'. French is more useful for business in Europe.

German gets ranking above that

Then Russian

Then Chinese

Then Arabic at top.

Reason Arabic is at top is very few non-Muslims learn it compared to Chinese so it's cooler and more lucrative.

I would also give points to someone learning something like Farsi, Pashto, Hausa or Sorani. It shows intellectual curiosity, independence of mind, and the ability to get stuck in with a foreign culture.

For example a white Jewish man conversational in Somali would be more interesting than a French-speaking Anglo, even though French is more useful.

This is because to me it's not the actual skills from the language but the personality traits that come with it.

As an interviewer - where do you work - are your views representative, would you say?

I am applying for a rather tough two-year job that will involve learning fluent Russian. I'll have to take a break from grad school, but when I come back I want to finish my degree in Chile or Argentina.

My goal is speak fluent English, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese and Scandinavian (Norwegian/Danish/Swedish) by age 30 (I'm 26 now).

I was thinking that'd be kinda cool, but I get the feeling from you that'd it'd be hard to make money off those skills.