Initiating a Language Audit

​Conducting a Language Audit prior to or even during any foreign language undertaking (multilingual training, translation, interpreting, etc.) has been proven to be of essence when managing language-related assets. The preliminary stage of such an Audit, as mentioned in my previous article, serves as a first contact of the company with the Language Management Consultant and aims to quantify the benefits of the Audit for the company and its operations.

​First of all, the above-mentioned benefits are presented, along with a provision of a clear description of the linguistic auditing process (steps, milestones, KPIs). Then, an overview of the organization is obtained, particularly  from the language use viewpoint, as well as any previous language training and resources. The time scale of the audit follows, accompanied with some key questions, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Key points with a language function
• Areas with poor linguistic skills and the corresponding impact
• Areas with proper linguistic skills and room for improvement

​After these questions are answered, budget and confidentiality-related matters are usually discussed, to establish the financials related to the audit and the confidentiality that will govern the Language Audit process.
If you find this process interesting, stay tuned as I will be analyzing the next Language Audit steps in future articles.
 

Sources:
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Piekkari R, Welch D, Welch, L (2014), Language in International Business, The Multilingual Reality of Global Business Expansion, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing.

Reeves, N. and Wright C. (1996), Linguistic Auditing: A Guide to Identifying Foreign Language Communication Needs in Corporations. Great Britain: WBC Book Manufacturers Ltd.
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Spolsky, B. (2009),  Language Management, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.