Here in the United States, we have the advantage of our language being the dominant language of trade, the common language of most business internationally. We don't have to learn another language to communicate in our daily work. We expect others to speak our language. When they do not, we can become irritated and frustrated. Our tolerance level is inappropriately low.
Normal communication is more complicated, hampering productivity.
As our labor vacuum attracts more foreign-born workers, this problem will intensify. The proportion of U.S. workers who do not speak English as their first language is growing. Many employers now offer courses in English as a Second Language. Global business presents needs to communicate in other languages. Language is a vehicle to understand and appreciate different cultures, different ways of conducting business and developing relationships.