Jonathan
Job title
Head of Japan Section
Industry sector
Central Government
Organisation and location
Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Whitehall
Background
University of Bradford, Joint Honours in Spanish and German
Learned French at school
Afrikaans (3 month full-time course FCO-funded)
Korean (19 month full time course FCO funded)
Basque, Japanese, Portuguese and Greek – self taught
How are languages used in everyday tasks, involving writing, speaking, reading, listening?
This varies over time. When on an overseas posting I have used languages on a daily basis, although I have rarely needed to write them. Acquiring background information and transacting business are the occasions where I mostly use my languages.
Why are languages important in your job? Which languages and countries are important?
In many jobs overseas we transact business in the local language. Clearly the important language is the one of the country you are in. Speaking the local language allows us to understand the local culture as well as making everyday life easier.
How did your past experience help you in your job now, especially in terms of language, culture and international communications?
Languages are an essential part of understanding working culture. As I have to deal with Japanese on a daily basis my experience is of enormous benefit.
What do you enjoy most about your job? What other job skills and experience are needed?
You have to enjoy meeting new people, learning new things, and the challenge of ascertaining exactly what you need to say/do to develop relationships, and then get the most from them.
What tips would you give to anyone interested in using their languages in your area?
Never go into automatic mode - always ask yourself why you are studying what is in front of you and how you might use it. Don't assume the native teacher knows best; their experience of learning and using the language is completely different to yours. Study how the brain works - why some memories stick and others don't - and apply what you find out to your study methods.