[seanutbutter]

Mandarin Chinese is gradually becoming a top language in business. You don't need to know it in order to succeed in your career, but I'm just saying.

However, I think the true answer really depends on where you're working. In certain parts of the United States, for example, it can be a necessity to have a moderate knowledge of Spanish. But that's not the case for everywhere around the world.

[alix*]

English, French, Italian and Mandarin.

I don't know why people are saying Cantonese.. that language is only spoken in HK & Singapore.

[Street_a_Licious]

uhm...... and the whole of Guangdong? the chinese province with the highest growth in migrants over the past 10 years and THE booming textile industry there?

but it's true, business language in China is mando.

i think italian is SO important. though i could also be thinking so cause it's the only language out of the liste ones that i don't know

[alix*]

^ Don't they speak Mandarin in Guangdong?

[Street_a_Licious]

Cantonese, as a dialect, originates from Guangdong. Hong Kong used to be a part of Guangdong, thats why HKers speak canto.

don't tell me you live in HK and never set foot in Guangdong

[Aloha!Voxy]

I'd say French!
And then maybe Russian too.
Aaaaand Japanese.

(Basically the languages I speak, haha. Except for French! I speak German instead...)

[yourbestfriend]

Quote:

Originally Posted by alix* ^ Don't they speak Mandarin in Guangdong?

Yeah they do, and well Cantonese is pretty much useless out of HK as you said earlier. And they speak mainly mandarin in Singapore as well. So if we're talking most useful, then of course it will be Mandarin because all of China speaks it while Cantonese is more limited.

But ultimatel i'd say French is important even if alot of people speak English because if you work out of Paris fluent French is extremely helpful.

[smartarse]

the latest foreign language that's creeping up to the list of "must-know" is Portuguese. one word: Brazil + Fashion = bright future together...

[ysljunkie]

FRenCh!
Japanese?

[knightley]

The most important languages are where the clients are likely to come from.

English is the dominant language, but if you want to work with couture and blue-chip houses Arabic and Russian have been strongly recommended because of the extreme wealth in those regions and their dedication to the purchase of fashion.

Portuguese? Nah. Models come out of Brazil like cockroaches, but top fleet designers internationally? A few breaking through onto the NYC scene (English), but the clients don't come from there.

Liaising with clients is the most important aspect of the business. The business itself is run in English when you eject the models (who are all instructed immediately in English, but most learn French and Italian on top of their native tongue and the English - of course, some are awful at all except their mother tongue) and truthfully, models are clothing hangers, not that important: always expendable and replaceable. So if clients make the industry thrive? I can confirm three major houses recommend them, as well as Cantonese (Hong Kong, yeah?).

If you want to impress in the industry one of those three will get you places.

[smartarse]

as far as emerging markets is concern, Latin America especially Brazil , has money being poured into and yes, Portuguese , will soon be a must-learned foreign language in ones resume.

[knightley]

Really? Cos I just have applied at about six places and been asked on three interviews for top fleet houses what languages I know and at no time was Portuguese mentioned at all.

I highly doubt it will be a must-learned foreign language for at least ten years. It doesn't have the same wealthy consumer base that Russia and the Arab states do. Period.

And right now, Russia is the emerging state. More and more Russians are being admitted to the couture federation and being seen front row at the top shows. In PR for example, one of the rolodexes I just saw was about 40% Russian customers. Ridic how much they will spend.

[smartarse]

.^..and this is not just for designer houses, it's for all facet of the industry (that correlates with fashion).

[smartarse]

knightley: i said "it will be", not right now.

[smartarse]

French is still a foreign language that is still important. first and foremost.