The languages spoken – and required – in Brussels companies reflect their markets. They are also a potential driver of individual development, entrepreneurial success, and regional growth.
How are languages used in companies today? And what is the general level? In 2024, an analysis by the consulting firm Bright Plus of more than 30,000 standardized tests taken between 2015 and 2024 sounded the alarm.
From a level above B1 (which only allows one to talk about experiences and opinions) in 2015, the average knowledge of Dutch as a second language has reportedly slipped to a slightly lower level. On the Dutch-speaking side, proficiency in French has also declined significantly. Between B1 and B2 (which allowed one to understand complex texts and communicate clearly) 12 years ago, it has now fallen below the B1 level. And yet, the authors of the study emphasize, this is only the tip of the iceberg, given that the candidates in question declared themselves multilingual. This does not include those who readily admit to being less proficient…
English isn't the solver
According to the same study, younger candidates also score better in English than older ones. Do the latest generations therefore tend to believe that English alone is enough to integrate and advance in their careers? Is this really a good idea, especially in Brussels?
"Internally and externally, most Brussels companies use a combination of languages. Most often, they speak French, Dutch, and English, or even German. Thinking that mastering one's native language plus English is enough is therefore a mistake," explains Laurence Mettewie, professor of Dutch language and linguistics at UNamur. Nearly 20 years ago, at the request of the regional employment ministry, she conducted research on the uses and needs of 357 Brussels companies regarding multilingualism, as well as the associated benefits. The conclusions drawn at that time were reconfirmed by a new investigation conducted in 2020.
French-Dutch-English: the winning trio
As a member of the Brussels Council for Multilingualism, this expert also notes that the number of Brussels companies using "only" the French-Dutch combination is lower than the number using all three languages, including English. The multicultural and international character of Brussels is therefore clearly reflected in the practices of its businesses.
How can we explain these language requirements—which are quite high compared to the rest of the world—within Brussels companies? "They reflect the reality of the markets they serve. This includes both the local market, which is very multilingual, and other nearby markets such as France, the Netherlands, Germany, and England," explains Laurence Mettewie.
Another striking finding revealed by the studies is that it is almost more difficult for a Brussels-based company to find a candidate who is "only" fluent in Dutch and French, rather than in all three languages. "Once you know the other national language, English almost automatically follows. This says a lot about the aptitude and perception of the other language in terms of motivation to learn," points out Laurence Mettewie.
A growth factor
As we can see, between the decline in language skills among candidates and the still-high expectations of companies, a gap is gradually widening. "Yet multilingualism is a growth factor. Of 10 SMEs surveyed, four admitted to having lost contracts due to a lack of language skills. You always sell better in the customer's language," insists the professor, who believes that the other languages spoken by the Brussels population could also be better leveraged as a tool for major exports.
Company culture
For an employee, multilingualism can act as a shield against dismissal, become a gateway to more career options, and ensure more effective and pleasant collaboration with colleagues. However, according to the Bright Plus survey mentioned above, while 8 out of 10 Belgian employees consider this aspect important, 15% admit to limiting contact with a colleague who speaks another language, and 5% even avoid that colleague.
These attitudes can damage productivity, collaboration, and even company culture. “In an SME, if a language is mastered by only one person, their absence—for example, due to illness—is immediately felt. This is why more and more companies are investing internally to promote multilingualism,” notes Laurence Mettewie.
Apps as solutions?
Can the rapid advances in translation tools solve the problem? Partly, no doubt, but Laurence Mettewie points out several limitations. “A keen understanding of the cultural usage of languages is key to operating this software. Furthermore, negotiating or selling to clients is still often done face-to-face, and without a virtual reality headset. Knowing the other person's language remains an absolute asset in interpersonal relationships.”
By Philippe Beco, Freelance Business Journalist
Beci supports language training through its two schools, CVO Semper and EPFC. Together, the two training centers welcome nearly 30,000 students each year. |
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