Monday, March 23, 2020
Essential Tools for your Computer Courses
Essential Tools for your Computer Courses All the Equipment Youâll Need for Computer Lessons! ChaptersGet Ready to Give or Receive IT TuitionFrom Computer Classes for Beginners to Coding Courses!Should You Get Online IT Training or Face-to-face Computer Tuition?IT Training that will Help You Improve Your BusinessIf you know nothing about computers, then youâll probably benefit a lot from this article (and computer tutorials!). Whether youâre looking for some IT training in word processing, making a presentation with Microsoft PowerPoint, carrying out web research for a class on algorithms and machine learning, or just wanting to learn some basic computer skills, youâll need the right equipment.This equipment might also be useful for those wanting to teach computer classes.Before you take start your computer training, you should remember that youâll need a few things in terms of equipment:A computer. You canât learn computer basics without one, to be fair. You can choose either a PC (personal computer) or a Mac (Apple). You wonât need to spend a fortune on IT equip ment. You can get your first computer (including the screen and the tower) for around £200 on some of the bigger websites. If youâre going to use your computer to watch films or edit images (you could get tutorials on how to use Adobe Photoshop), you might consider looking into buying a Mac. While theyâre more expensive than PCs, they make up for it with their sleek design, ease of use, speed, and the quality of their screens. There are also tutors who specialise in tutorials for those wanting to learn how to use Apple products and the Mac OS (operating system) which differs from Windows. Weâll talk more about this later on in the article.The programmes: the Microsoft Office suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) is available on both Windows and Mac and now come with a renewable licence. There are also free computer programmes such as Apacheâs OpenOffice which includes a word processor and spreadsheet and presentation programmes.You can get IT tutorials in a group, on your own, or over webcam. (Source: pixabay.com)Programming languages usually require a specific programme such as Microsoftâs Visual Basic or Java. Some of these are free, others youâll have to pay for. You should do some research before you start. If youâre a graphic designer taking tutorials in editing photos (via Photoshop training) or layouts (Indesign and Illustrator), youâre probably going to have to invest, often heavily, in the programmes required by paying for a monthly or annual licence from Adobe.The Internet, of course! Whether itâs to find your future tutor, get online computer tutorials (over webcam), or even send and receive emails and documents with your private IT tutor. Hereâs a brief summary of the main internet service providers (ISPs) and their offers:Remember that a lot of the deals come with contracts over a year so choose wisely!TalkTalk: £19.99/month (for 12 months). 12 month contract.Vodafone: £20.00/month (for 18 months). 18 month contrac t.Plusnet: £18.99/month (for 18 months). 18 month contract. £5 setup costs.Sky: £18.00/month (for 12 months). 12 month contract. £9.95 setup costs.Post Office: £19.00/month (for 18 months). 18 month contract.If you want to get or give IT tutorials over the internet (via webcam), youâll need to invest in a webcam yourself so you can see one another clearly and invest in a quality microphone so that you can be heard better. While even an entry-level laptop comes with built-in webcam, the quality isn't always great.For in-home private tutorials, a tablet might come in handy. While youâre probably going to think weâre pro Apple, their tablets do include a built-in camera and microphone.How much do IT tutorials cost?From Computer Classes for Beginners to Coding Courses!The classic desktop personal computer is made up of a tower and a screen (as well as the mouse and keyboard). Nowadays, there are many all-in-one models which take up less space in your house but also make them harder to repair yourself.Find some of the best programming courses on Superprof.Once you've learnt the basics of PowerPoint, you'll be able to create simple presentations. (Source: energepic.com)You should also consider investing in external hard drives if you want to back up your documents.Once youâve got this equipment, you should be ready to get your first private tutorials in using computers.Here are a few of the types of classes you can get as a beginner:Learning about the basics of computer hardware, the fundamental parts of a computer (like the central processing unit and the RAM), and computer technology.Basic skills for those new to computers like typing, using a mouse, setting up a printer over the WiFi network.and how to create a file.An introduction to computers and internet basics like navigating the world wide web and searching for informationSetting up an email (electronic mail) client and using emails.Various IT projects (word processing, presentations, spreadshee ts, and using Microsoft Office or OpenOffice)These are just a few of the things you could learn about with webcam or face-to-face tutorials. Or you can go a step further and learn coding with programming courses!Learning about IT is also learning about how your PC or Mac works (the hardware) or learning about the software (internet browsers, office suites, and your operating system).You can also learn the absolute basics like turning your machine on and off with weekly tutorials and become an autonomous user within a month or two.There are plenty of beginnersâ computer courses available on Superprof and their price will vary depending on where you are and your tutorâs experience.A computer class can benefit very young children as well since theyâre probably already used to using smartphones and tablets in their everyday lives. Beginners can learn to use programmes just like they would a foreign language and by the time they reach secondary school, theyâll be able to conduct research and find verified sources to help them with their studies and homework.There are a number of programming languages and they each take a significant amount of time to learn. (Source: pixabay.com)If you work in IT and would like to teach digital literacy, a programming language, or improve your own skills by taking tutorials in cybersecurity, algorithms, or machine learning, you should head on over to Superprof. Superprof can put you in contact with programming language experts (C++, Python, Java, Scilab, Fortran, Visual Basic, etc.) and web developers with HTML and CSS skills, app developers, or even IT network administrators.Should You Get Online IT Training or Face-to-face Computer Tuition?Weâd recommend that absolute beginners opt for at-home computing tutorials since the tutor can interact directly with the student to correct mistakes (which are bound to occur at this early stage).When it comes to programming and other focused classes with more advanced users, using Sk ype or other videoconferencing software can be a better option:Consider choosing professionals who are currently working in the IT sector or provide IT services for large companies.Or you can get cheaper tutorials from an IT student if your studies are less intensive. In some cases, you can do a like-for-like trade by offering them another type of tutorial.You could get in-home tutorials on computer maintenance to help you deal with bugs or when your computer crashes and learn important skills like backing up on external hard disks and the cloud, rebooting your computer, and reinstalling programmes. This could help you save a lot of precious time and money if you take care of your own computer maintenance.If you want to learn more about Apple, why not take specialised classes from one of our Apple experts on Superprof?You can find tutors whoâve previously worked at Apple Stores or studied the platform at university on Superprof, too. Learn more about using Snapchat filters and ho w to stream films onto your TV from your Mac or just learn more about Mac OS and iOS, the latter being present on the Apple iPhone.IT Training that will Help You Improve Your BusinessIf youâre a business owner or are planning to launch your own business, youâll probably need a website to promote your business or sell products if youâre opening an online store.If you want to have your own website, youâre going to need:a domain namea host for your siteto build your website (possibly with the help of a web developer)to fill your site with contentIn order to do this, youâre going to have to get in touch with providers, take tutorials in building websites (if youâre doing it yourself), familiarise yourself with CMS (content management systems like WordPress), know how to build and manage a database, edit photos, and learn how to write for SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) so that your website shows up when people are looking for it.You can use WordPress to create your own web site. (Source: pixabay.com)To make any business nowadays, youâre probably going to need to make sure it has an online presence. You should consider learning how to browse the internet, search the web securely, use professional networking platforms, and crowdfunding platforms if youâre looking to raise funds from investors or individuals.It classes are very varied since there are plenty of different fields within IT like programming, using office suites, or using the web effectively. There are IT tutorials for everyone.Donât forget you can combine different IT tutorials depending on what you need to learn!Also, consider ways you can efficiently use your time in between tutorials or classes.
Friday, March 6, 2020
What is it Like to Attend Western Washington University
What is it Like to Attend Western Washington University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Brianna received her bachelors degree in Spanish from Western Washington University. She is currently a tutor in Portland specializing in Spanish. See what she had to say about her experience at Western Washington University: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or rural is the campus? Did you feel safe on campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Brianna: Campus is very close to everything you need, including the downtown, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. There is a great bus system that runs through campus, downtown, and surrounding areas. I never needed a car while living at college; and in fact, biking is often more convenient and fun than a bus or car! VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Brianna:The majority of my professors and advisers werevery helpful and committed to their students education, providing extra office hours when needed and good communication. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Brianna:Personally, I was not a fan of the dorms; however, many students I talk to have loved living in them! It is a great way to meet people because there are a variety of activities weekly that cater to the interests of a diverse group of students. The dining options are alright, but not fantastic. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Brianna:The Sciences, Education, and Business programs are some of the best-represented programs. I studied Spanish, and I did feel very supported by the teachers and staff. It is a small major, so you get to know everyone in your classes fairly quickly, which makes making connections with professors and other students easy. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Brianna:I made friends primarily by participating in collegiate track. Getting involved in clubs and intramural sports is a great way for freshmen to make friends. Because of students votes, we do not have a Greek life at our school. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Brianna:The Career Center is helpful for many students; however, I did not take advantage of it, and therefore I am unfamiliar with the companies who recruit. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Brianna:There are a variety of study areas at Western Washington University. There is an ideal study spot for anyone, whether it be spacious or small and cozy. The library only gets very crowded during mid-terms and finals week. There are also many other cafes and markets on campus that are great for studying (if you dont mind a little noisier environment). VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Brianna:One of my favorite things about Western Washington University is the amazing wilderness that surrounds the campus. It is an ideal place for campers, hikers, mountain bikers, sailors, kayakers, and everyone and anyone in between! I can walk outside my apartment and onto a trail that runs through the forest and leads to a lake. If you are not a big fan of the outdoors, the downtown is also a great place to be. It is only a mile from campus and so it is very easy to grab a bite to eat during a busy day at one of the many restaurants. Students are everywhere at Western Washington University. Lots of students enjoy going to the boardwalk on the bay which connects to downtown by a beautiful, lush trail. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Brianna:The student body was a perfect size for me. There are 15,000 students that attend Western Washington University; however, it feels like much fewer. The campus itself is fairly small, so you see people you know everywhere! The class sizes were ideal for me. In my upper-division classes there were on average 20-30 students. Of course the lower-division lecture classes usually had more like 60-150 students. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Brianna:One memorable experience was in my Developmental Psychology class. My professor showed a video of an elderly choir group who sings for underrepresented populations all over the world. They sang for a group of inmates at a jail immediately after one of the choir members had passed away. It was very inspiring and emotional to see the way the choir inspired the inmates, many of whom were crying and hugging the elderly folks after the performance. I found myself as well as other students tearing up. it was a very moving experience to see two extremely different populations who would normally not interact connect in such a positive and meaningful way. Check out Briannas tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Abiotic Factors Of The Taiga Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace
Abiotic Factors Of The Taiga Online Biology Tutors Tutorpace Abiotic factors are the nonliving factors of an organisms environment. It may be of chemical or physical. Taiga is the worlds largest biome. It is also known as the boreal forests or northern coniferous forest or Cold Climate Forest. Taiga or the boreal forests lie south of Tundra in the northern hemisphere. It covers a large portion of Canada, Alaska and Eurasia. The taiga biome is located between the Tundra biome in the north and the temperate grassland biome in the south. The abiotic factors of the taiga biome include temperature, sunlight, soil, air, water etc. The taiga climate is dominated by cold arctic air. During the summer, the taiga receives more light and thus leads to hotter days. Six months out of the year the temperatures in the Taiga are below freezing, so therefore the winters are very cold and very snowy. The summer and winter are the prime seasons of the Taiga, for the autumn and spring are so short it is hardly noticeable. Temperature:The temperature is warmer than in tundra, due to this the Taiga lacks permafrost. Six months out of the year the temperatures in the Taiga are below freezing, so therefore the winters are very cold and very snowy. Rainfall: The southern parts of Taiga have a rainfall of about 35 to 40 cm per year. Taiga has low evaporation rate and has frequent fog that results in wet conditions. Soil:Soil is saturated with water and is acidic. The soil is low in nutrients, and is more fertile in lowland areas. A number of crops such as wheat, barley, oats, and canola are grown in the taiga regions.
Writing expressions with exponents
Writing expressions with exponents There are different types of expressions in math. An expression can be written using different variables, numbers and exponents. The exponent is the power of the number or the variables. The exponent tell the number of times the base variable or number is to be multiplied. In an exponent expression if the base value is equal then the powers of the numbers can be equated. This rule can be written as: am = an. Hence, m = n. Example 1: Find the value of p in the expression: 125 = 5p? Solution: Here the exponent expression is given 125 = 5p. Hence the number can be factorized as 125 = 5 x 5 x 5. (The number 5 is multiplied three times so 5 is raised to the power 3.) Now the number can be written in the exponent form as: 125 = 53. Now equating the number to the given expression: 5p = 53. Since the base numbers for the expressions are equal equate the powers. Hence the answer is p = 3. Question: Multiple choice question (Pick the correct option.) The number 81 can be written as an exponent expression as the following? a) 93 b) 9 c) 92 d) None of these. Correct answer: option c. The number 81 can be factorized and written as: 81 = 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 = 9 x 9. The number 9 is multiplied two times. So, 2 is the exponent for the number 9. Hence the exponent expression for 81 = 92.
Intransitive Verb Errors
Intransitive Verb Errors Intransitive! Not allowed.Source: Ville Miettinen from Helsinki, Finland INCORRECT: Recent studies have risen a number of key questions regarding the impact of CCTV on crime. CORRECT: Recent studies have raised a number of key questions regarding the impact of CCTV on crime. RULE: The verb have risen is intransitive, and therefore it cannot have an object like a number of key questions. INCORRECT: A work managed by Rost(1991) has shown up about two hundred definitions since 1900 till 1990, while the major part of writers didnt define it (Rost,1993). CORRECT: A work managed by Rost(1991) has revealed about two hundred definitions since 1900 till 1990, while the major part of writers didnt define it (Rost,1993). RULE: The verb has shown up is intransitive, and therefore it cannot have an object like about two hundred definitions. Please follow and like us:
English Listening Exercise Hacking and Computer Viruses
English Listening Exercise Hacking and Computer Viruses Earlier today I asked our Facebook followers what they would like my next topic to be for our English blog, and one of them suggested hacking. At first I thought she was suggesting that our site had been hacked or something, but then I realized that this was, in fact, a great topic for our blog.Because we give our English classes via Skype, we tend to get a lot of technology savvy students, especially people with IT and programming backgrounds. So naturally, the subject of hacking should be interesting to many of you.But even if youre not that interested in IT, technology and hacking, Ive found a great TED video about hacking that should be interesting to just about anyone. In the video, Mikko Hypponen gives a brief history of one of the darker sides of hacking, the writing of computer viruses. He talks about meeting the writers of the first virus ever found, and the new, the criminal networks that encourage virus writing now, and the new and dangerous viruses that are infecting our computers.Why you should listen to Mikko Hypponen:The chief research officer at F-Secure Corporation in Finland, Mikko Hypponen has led his team through some of the largest computer virus outbreaks in history. His team took down the world-wide network used by the Sobig.F worm. He was the first to warn the world about the Sasser outbreak, and he has done classified briefings on the operation of the Stuxnet worm a hugely complex worm designed to sabotage Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities.As a few hundred million more Internet users join the web from India and China and elsewhere, and as governments and corporations become more sophisticated at using viruses as weapons, Hypponen asks, whats next? Who will be at the front defending the worldâs networks from malicious software? His work offers a peek into the post-Stuxnet future.Below youll find a video of Mikkos TED talk, as well as several listening questions. English is not Mikkos native language, and, although he speaks it ve ry well, we ask about two of his mistakes in the questions. Here are some vocabulary words you may want to check before listening to the video: Connectivity, Malware, Monetize, Encryption.Enjoy the video, and please contact us if youd like to take an English class based on this video and the questions below.How does Mikko think our generation will be remembered by historians hundreds of years from now?What are the problems with the internet?What is the first virus ever?Where did it come from?Who opened the door at the home in Pakistan?Who wrote the original viruses?Who writes them now?What is GangstaBucks?What are key loggers?We now have a whole _______ _____ ____ and business ecosystem _____ _____ online crime.What grammar mistake does Mikko make at 8:36 (its a preposition error)?What was unusual about the 20 year old blogger in St. Petersburg?How did he catch the hacker?What mistake does he make at 13:32?Why is Stuxnet so dangerous?What does he think we need to do now?
How to get a TEFL job abroad teaching business English to adults
How to get a TEFL job abroad teaching business English to adults If youâre thinking about teaching English abroad, you might have plenty of questions, but thereâs one thing you probably already have strong feelings about: whether or not you want to teach children or adults. Teaching young learners can be extremely enjoyable and rewarding, but it (understandably) may not be the best fit for everyone. Itâs no secret that commanding a classroom full of kids or teenagers â" especially ones who donât speak your language â" can be a challenge. So if youâd prefer to work with adults, teaching business English abroad may be just the thing for you! Whether you already have experience in the workplace or just graduated with a bachelorâs degree, there are plenty of opportunities out there for teaching business English. You just need to make sure to prepare yourself properly for this TEFL career path. So weâve rounded up a few tips to help you get started. Letâs look at them at a glance and then dive in deeper. How can you start a TEFL career teaching business English to adults? Do a TEFL course with a specialization in teaching business English. Highlight your business English expertise on your resume. Find the right teaching job for you â" whether itâs abroad or online! Do a TEFL Certification course with a specialization in teaching business English. First up, youâll need a TEFL certificate. Yes, even if you already have professional or teaching experience, you still need a TEFL certificate because teaching English to business professionals is no easy feat. Whereas young learners can be won over with games and fun activities, positive relationships with adult students are often based on mutual professional respect. Your students will want to see that you know your stuff as a teacher, so choosing the right TEFL course is the best way to prepare. A good place to start is to look for a TEFL course thatâs associated with a respected university, like the OISE University of Toronto TEFL Certification. Taking a university-level TEFL course doesnât necessarily mean youâll have to go in for lectures. You can still study online, but have peace of mind knowing your TEFL certification course is legitimate. Plus, youâll get to add a professional qualification from a world-renowned university to your resume. Once youâve found a course that interests you, do some deeper research. Any good TEFL course should provide detailed course information online, including reviews from former students. But itâs worth looking up external TEFL course reviews as well to get some real, unbiased opinions! For instance, you can find great reviews for the OISE University of Toronto TEFL course on TEFL Course Review OISE TEFL, Go Abroad and Go Overseas. Next up, itâs time to specialize! Teaching business English requires a unique approach. Youâll be working with highly motivated students and teaching them specific skills that will have a direct impact on their careers. This can be deeply interesting and also hugely rewarding. Just imagine the difference you can make coaching someone for a big interview in English, helping them find the words to connect with colleagues, or giving them the confidence to speak up in meetings. With so much on the line, the best way to prepare yourself and your students for success is by doing a TEFL certification with a specialization in Teaching Business English. Highlight your business English specialization on your TEFL resume and Teach Away profile. Once youâve built up your teaching skills, itâs time to show them off! The first thing youâll need to help you find the business English TEFL job of your dreams isakiller resume. Even if you have no professional experience, thereâs plenty of valuable information you can include when creating a TEFL resume. In addition to your education and the teaching skills youâll gain with your TEFL business English specialization, you can also list any international experience you may have. And donât forget to include transferable skills, such as public speaking, organizationand/or leadership. If you do have professional experience, nowâs the time to talk it up. Any real experience you have in the business world will make you a huge asset to your future students, so go into detail about the fields youâve worked in and the different roles youâve held in the workplace. Finally, your TEFL job search will probably take place online, and your resume will be your employerâs first glance of who you are as a professional. Take time to make your resume the best it can be, and pay attention to formatting, spellingand grammar. Donât forget that youâll also need to craft both a strong resume and cover letter once you start applying for specific jobs. If this sounds a little overwhelming, donât worry, there are plenty of great resources out there with tips on how to write a resume/CV for teaching English abroad. A little research can go a long way. What about my Teach Away profile? So glad you asked! As well as using the Teach Away website to search for jobs, you can also contact schools directly through the site so, resumes and cover letters aside, building a complete teacher profile is a great way to catch a TEFL employerâs eye. Completing your profile gives recruiters a well-rounded idea of who you are and what assets you can bring to their school. Find your dream job teaching business English abroad (or online). Once you have a killer TEFL resume ready to go, itâs time to start looking at postings on TEFL job boards. English is the international language of business, so youâre sure to find that business English teachers are in demand all over the world. If you donât have a country in mind to work in, think about the professional fields that interest you. If there is a particular industry you are interested in connecting with through teaching, itâs worth researching where in the world these industries thrive and focusing your job search there. While youâre job hunting, make sure to read job postings very carefully and only to apply to language institutes that specifically focus on teaching adults, such as Wall Street English. If youâre not ready to move abroad right away, teaching online can be a great way to ease yourself into a TEFL career. Although most online teaching companies focus on teaching young students, iTutorGroup is a great example of a company that also caters to adults and offers online business English tutoring. Start your TEFL career journey today! To sum up, business English to adults is a thriving TEFL sector and one that can provide meaningful, intellectually stimulating work for many teachers who want to focus on teaching adults around the world. If you know that you want to teach business English abroad, choosing this TEFL course specialization will give you the skills you need and set you up for a successful job hunt. All teachers have different strengths and working in a role that suits you will help you bring out the best in your students and yourself. Start your TEFL journey today by enrolling in a 120- or 150-hour online TEFL certification course that lets youchoose a specialization in teaching Business English.
The 8 Best Low-risk, High-reward Languages for International Business
The 8 Best Low-risk, High-reward Languages for International Business The 8 Best Low-risk, High-reward Languages for International Business The business world is becoming a tougher place every day for monolinguals.The most successful CEOs of the 21st century are presenting business plans in Mandarin and dialing into conference calls in French.Nowadays business is global. Investors in South Korea and Egypt are funding startups in Chile and the Netherlands, who work with contractors in Kenya and the Philippines and sell to clients in Turkey and Bahrain.Languages like English, Mandarin, Russian and Japanese have dominated global commerce as long as anyone alive today can remember, and while those are four of todays business power tongues, that may not be the case tomorrow.Like everything else in the modern world, the linguistic landscape is changing, and which languages are sitting on the biggest pots of gold are changing with it. So when preparing to invest in your financial future with a new language, forget about the typical top 10 lists, the languages with the most speakers or those of todays strongest economies.Inst ead, youve got to think about your investments future: What are the fastest-growing languages, and whats the language of choice for the up-and-coming power players of tomorrows big economies? What are the best languages for business in the modern, globalized world of today and tomorrow?Its hard to say which is the best, but here are eight languages showing the kind of consistently strong performance that makes a low-risk, high-return investment for any entrepreneurial language learner. The 8 Best Low-risk, High-reward Languages for International Business1. Portuguese: Doing business across four continentsOnly about 4% of worlds Portuguese speakers are in the languages namesake country; the rest are scattered across some of todays fastest growing populations and economies.The Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) giant we all know and love is of course Brazil. The country that put the B in the BRICS countriesâ"the four other countries plus Brazil that together make up the biggest, baddest, boomingest economiesâ"is spending countless reais to influence the world and the way it does business.Under Brazils economic influence, Portuguese is likely to compete with or even displace English as the most important foreign language in South America. Its the revving engine of the MERCOSUR trade bloc, whose combined GDP of $4 trillion US dollars makes it a player of global proportions.But dont be distracted by the headliner: Portuguese-speaking Angola is an oil-rich African nation thats rapidly developing and Macau, Hong Kongs often overlooked sister special administrative region of China which is also a former Portuguese colony, is the fastest-growing economy in the entire world.From Brasilia and São Paulo to Lisbon, Luanda, Goa and Macau, Portuguese has spread itself across established power centers and up-and-comers both, making it one of todays smartest long-term investments for language learners.2. Cantonese: Money talks in Southeast AsiaSpeaking of Macaus n eighbor across the bay, Hong Kong is one of the four East Asian Tigers that dominate the economics of the East. Like its neighbor and fellow Tiger Singapore, the de facto language of daily life is Cantonese rather than the Mainlands favored Mandarin.In Hong Kong, Singapore and other key financial centers in southern China like Guangzhou, Cantonese is the language of choice. 60 million people throughout Southeast Asia and southern China are taking care of business in Cantonese, which spells opportunity for business-savvy language learners.Whats more, Cantonese has spread across most of the world in a unique way. Most Chinese emigrants to Western countries in the 20th century came from the Cantonese-speaking Guangdong area, resulting in Cantonese rather than Mandarin becoming the lingua franca of Chinatowns from Vancouver to London and most places in between.Add to that the fact that the large Chinese enclaves in Vietnam, Malaysia and other pockets of Southeast Asia are also prim arily Cantonese-speaking, and youve got a formidable linguistic tool for doing business throughout the world.3. Urdu: The language of emerging marketsChina normally steals the spotlight in The Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times, but just to the south the Indian subcontinent and its 1.5 billion inhabitants are shaking up the system.By 2030, India is projected to be the worlds largest country by population, and neighboring Pakistan will hold the number six spot, combining to total a whopping population of 1.75 billion just 15 years down the road.English fluency is high in this part of the world, but never underestimate the impact of learning the local language. Pakistan and most of its 200 million inhabitants speak Urdu, the national language, which spills over into the homes and businesses of 50 million more people in India. With nearly 5% growth per year, Pakistan is designated one of the Next Eleven economies which promise bountiful business opportunity in the near fut ure.Even better, Urdu is mutually intelligible with Hindi, and linguists often consider the two to be dialects of one language called Hindustani. Estimates of the total number of Hindustani speakers range from 400 to 500 million, making it by any count one of the worlds largest languages.With Karachis $78 billion market looking to invest in its workforce and technology, its easy to see why Urdus stock is soaring.4. Spanish: Anything but business as usual in Latin AmericaTwo of todays G20 major economies, Argentina and Mexico, are Spanish-speaking. These Latin American powerhouses are well-established global forces, but they no longer tell the entire story of how business is done in Latin America.Inconspicuous economies like Chile, Peru and Colombia are quietly pushing forward through initiatives like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and successful measures to reduce corruption and violence in their countries. These growth-leaders will almost certainly bring unprecedented cash flo ws not only into their own borders, but also to their neighbors through trade unions like MERCOSUR and the Andean Community of Nations.The other Spanish-speaking G20 country that is too often overlooked on a list like this, the country with the #2 hispanohablante population in the world, is the United States. English is the first language that comes to mind when the USA is named, but its 50 million Spanish speakers and their small and large businesses might kindly remind you that its not the only language spoken in the country.If youre one of the 90 million learners worldwide whos already picked up some Spanish, try brushing up on your business Spanish to stay on the cutting edge of the business world.5. German: The language of European industrial mightYoud be hard-pressed to overestimate Germanys economic impact on the affairs of the European Union.Europes largest economy is also the fifth largest in the world: 80 million industrious Germans make up one percent of global populat ion, yet they generate an astounding 4.5% of global GDP.By Jonas Henriksson (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsThis and the fact that Frankfurt is home to the European Central Bank is a sure sign that German for business will only continue to grow in importance in the business world.But, as with many of the other languages on this list, its not just the country that gives the language its name that holds the brightest business prospects. German-speaking Austria is another dynamic European economy, and Swiss banks still save and spend their dollars and francs in Deutsch.To language learners, German might at times sound like an angry chest cold, but to the business leaders and deal closers of Europe, it sounds like money.6. Arabic: The webs fastest-growing languageIf you turn on the news today, you might make the mistake of associating Arabic with conflict and violence. Youd only be seeing a small sliver of whats going o n in the homes, offices and bank accounts of the worlds nearly 300 million Arabic speakers. Instead, take a glance at Twitter or the latest global financial news and youll find a different story.Ever since social media catalyzed democratic revolutions in the Arab Spring starting in 2010, Arabic has been the fastest-growing language on the worldwide web. To be exact, online use of Arabic has grown by 2500% in the last ten years, compared to 743% for Spanish and 281% for English.A quick investigation will show you why. In the United Arab Emirates, multi-billion dollar oil deals are arranged in Arabic. In Cairo, its the language of one of the worlds most massive film and television industries. In Doha, stock traders shout to buy or sell in Arabic in the Qatar Stock Exchange. In Beirut, its the language used to advertise the chic high-end fashion of the Middle East.And heres the real news: As of 2013, only about a third of the worlds 300 million Arabic speakers were online. That means theres plenty more room to grow, which should scream opportunity to language learners with an interest in the Middle East.7. Mandarin: The language thats dying to spend its moneyAh yes, theres the Chinese language you thought youd find on this list.Its the one that you just cant miss when talking about the best languages for business, the duh candidate with its billion plus speakers and largest purchasing power in the world. In fact, we cant think of a single reason a budding entrepreneur shouldnt learn Mandarin (its really not as hard as they say).The reason this language will only continue to become even more important is because of the nearly mythical economic shift taking place in China. In about 30 years, the country went from one of the poorest countries in the world to its largest middle class. And one of the key factors of any consumer segment labeled middle class is its disposable income. The newly wealthy are adding to their numbers daily in China, and all those yuan are burning holes in their pockets.8. English: The language of globalizationAnd finally, the other unavoidable giant: English.Its the official language of 67 countries and 27 territories, as well as all of the most important global institutions like the UN, the European Union, NATO and the OECD. With over 350 million native speakers and a mind-blowing 500 million second language speakers in the world, English permeates nearly every aspect of global society, from Wall Street and London to the Internet and international governance.And there doesnt appear to be an economist, entrepreneur or linguist on the map who thinks the unstoppable tide of English will do anything but continue to gain momentum. The British Council predicts that the total number of people learning English will exceed 1.9 billion by the year 2020. Thats in addition to the growing population of native speakers, and 2020 is a short four years away.With the evergreen importance of English in business and life, congratu late yourself on reading this article in the worlds most widely-spoken language, but dont stop there. Business English is a rapidly growing field, and rightly so. The way we talk to colleagues and boards of directors bears little resemblance to the language we use in classrooms, cafes and social gatherings.The best way to close tomorrows business dealsThese are eight of the best and most practical languages for the innovators, investors and in-the-know businesswomen and men of the coming years, but it couldnt be further from an exclusive list.Deciding on the best language for business depends on your particular aspirations, what kind of work youre good at, what youre passionate about and what corner of the world pulls strongest at your itchy feet. It could just as easily be Swahili, French, Dutch, Japanese or Thai as any of the eight giants above.Learning a language is for life, not just for business. Itll certainly give you a brighter outlook on the job market or in launching you r innovative startup, but dont forget about all the other benefits that come along with it!What matters is that you learn another language and, hopefully, along with it, another culture. Business life went global years ago, and now our personal lives are becoming more and more global by the day, which makes it all the more important to learn a foreign language and become a better participant in global society.Whether your goal is to make it big on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange or to build schools for Urdu-speaking minorities in Hyderabad, it all starts with taking the plunge and a href=https://www.fluentu.com/blog/becoming-Jakob is a full-time traveler, obsessive language learner and dedicated language teacher. He writes about language, travel and the many places they meet on the road at his blog Globalect.
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