Savanna Hoffman
International Relations is a wide-ranging subject that allows students to investigate and research the relationships between countries and governments. It is often categorised as a political science or interdisciplinary field. Students of International Relations are often required to study a language through to an intermediate level. While language proficiency is not a requirement for academic success, it is beneficial for employability. The language chosen can be dictated by the specialty of the degree pursued, or it can be left to matters of interest or ability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Language requirement for academic success | Not necessary as many IR PhDs are monoglots |
| Language requirement for employability | Not necessary as any language needs can be outsourced |
| Language requirement for signalling to employers | Fluency in a second language signals comfort working with diverse backgrounds |
| Language requirement for signalling to employers | Fluency in an uncommon language can make a candidate attractive |
| Language requirement for signalling to employers | Fluency in a widely spoken language can make a candidate attractive |
| Language to learn | Arabic, as it is the most popular language in traditional hotspots |
| Language to learn | French, due to its tradition in diplomacy and its status in the EU and other international organizations |
| Language to learn | Mandarin, as it is spoken by billions |
| Language to learn | Japanese, due to strong diplomatic and business ties with the US |
| Language to learn | Hindi, as India is an up-and-coming industrial and digital base |
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What You'll Learn
French for diplomacy
French has long been considered the language of diplomacy. It is an official language in 29 countries and is widely spoken as a second language in dozens more. It is also one of the six official languages of the United Nations and is used in other international organisations such as the European Union and the International Court of Justice. Its historical significance and continued use in diplomatic contexts make it essential for professionals in international relations.
French is known for its precision and neutrality, which makes it an appropriate language for drafting treaties and international negotiations. Its clarity and precision make it a suitable language for diplomatic discourse, allowing representatives from diverse linguistic backgrounds to engage without linguistic biases. For effective communication in diplomatic settings, familiarity with key French terms is crucial.
French classes for diplomacy often teach vocabulary related to politics and diplomacy, such as "démarche", meaning a formal diplomatic representation or protest; "rapprochement", which is the establishment of harmonious relations between countries; and "doyen", the senior member of the diplomatic corps in a particular country.
For international relations students, French is a useful language to learn due to its tradition in diplomacy and its status in the EU and other international organisations. It is also a good choice for those seeking to work in foreign relations circles, as France has had an outsized impact on the world stage that is reflected in the continued use of French in numerous international organisations.
Other useful languages for international relations students to learn include Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Russian, Hindi, and Punjabi. These languages are widely spoken and can be useful for those seeking to work in specific regions or on certain global issues.
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Mandarin for international relations
International Relations is a wide-ranging subject that allows students to investigate and research the relationships between countries and governments, as well as the relationships between nation states and large intergovernmental organisations like the EU, UN, or World Health Organisation. In today's interconnected world, the study of International Relations is no longer confined to Western-centric perspectives. With the rise of non-Western powers like China, understanding diverse cultural and political viewpoints is essential for navigating the complexities of global diplomacy.
Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world, with over a billion native speakers. It is the official language of China, Taiwan, and Singapore, and is also spoken in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and other parts of Southeast Asia. As a global power, China has a rich intellectual tradition that spans millennia, encompassing philosophy, political theory, and strategic thought. By learning Mandarin, International Relations students can gain access to ancient texts and contemporary academic research, and engage directly with Chinese scholarship, policy documents, and media. This facilitates a deeper understanding of non-Western ideologies and worldviews, and enables students to contribute meaningfully to global discourse on international affairs.
For Indian students of International Relations, learning Mandarin is particularly crucial. As India-China relations continue to evolve, bilingual professionals with expertise in both cultures are in high demand. Fluency in Mandarin enhances employability and enables individuals to pursue career opportunities in diplomacy, business, and academia. Additionally, proficiency in Mandarin can open doors to a wide range of career paths in foreign service, international business, and academia.
Students interested in pursuing a degree in International Relations and Mandarin can consider the BSc International Relations and Chinese programme offered by LSE. This programme offers a unique opportunity to spend two periods studying abroad at Fudan University in Shanghai, sharpening Mandarin-speaking skills, completing IR courses, and immersing oneself in the culture and history of one of China's most cosmopolitan cities. By the time students graduate, they will be well-prepared to work internationally or in diplomatic roles where Mandarin is required.
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Arabic for the Middle East
As an international relations student, you will investigate and research the relationships between countries and governments, focusing on the relationships between nation states and large intergovernmental organisations like the EU, UN, or World Health Organisation. The subject is often categorised as either political science or interdisciplinary.
International relations students are encouraged to learn at least one additional language, and serious foreign relations students usually pick up skills in a few different foreign languages. The language you choose to learn can be dictated by the specialty of your degree, but it can also be based on matters of interest or ability.
Arabic is a great language to learn if you are interested in the Middle East. Arabic is the fifth most commonly spoken language in the world and is the most popular language in some of the most traditional hotspots drawing international attention today. The University of Exeter offers an MA in International Relations and Arabic, which will equip you with the general research skills, sources, and tools relevant to the study of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Muslim world in general. The programme will also introduce you to a broad range of key theorists whose work has underpinned scholarship in several key fields of study.
There are also Arabic Studies, International Relations, and Language study abroad programs in Meknes, Morocco. These programs offer courses in Middle Eastern studies, political science, gender studies, religious studies, and international relations, in addition to Arabic language classes.
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Japanese for Asian foreign relations
International Relations is a wide-ranging subject that allows students to investigate and research the relationships between countries and governments. Language plays a crucial role in this field, with serious foreign relations students often picking up skills in multiple foreign languages. While English is the lingua franca in business and global affairs, proficiency in other languages can be a significant advantage.
If you are interested in Asian foreign relations, Japanese is a solid language choice. Japan has strong diplomatic and business ties in the region, and it remains a major centre of industry and innovation along the Pacific Rim. In the late 1980s, Japan was the number one foreign investor in the ASEAN countries, and its economic exchanges with these nations were deemed critical to their development. Japan has also been actively involved in promoting negotiations to resolve regional conflicts, such as the Cambodian conflict.
Learning Japanese can open doors to understanding Japan's unique cultural and historical context within Asia. Japan's relations with its Asian neighbours have evolved over time, with a history of imperialism and control over nearby areas, including parts of China, Manchuria, Korea, and islands like Taiwan and Okinawa. After World War II, Japan was stripped of its foreign conquests and underwent significant changes, including a period of isolation from the Western world. Today, Japan maintains diplomatic relations with every United Nations member state except North Korea, and it continues to extend development and technical assistance to countries in Latin America.
Additionally, Japan has a complex relationship with the United States, its primary occupier and influencer post-WWII. While relations are generally friendly, there have been intermittent trade frictions and questions about Japan's military independence. Japan also has territorial disputes with Russia and continues to navigate its relationship with China, with whom it has had a complicated historical relationship.
By learning Japanese, you can gain insights into Japan's perspective on these relationships and its role in the region. This knowledge can be invaluable for anyone seeking to understand and contribute to Asian foreign relations. However, it is worth noting that language learning is often dictated by specialty, interest, or ability, so combining Japanese with other languages or areas of expertise can further enhance your career prospects in international relations.
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Hindi for international business
International Relations is a wide-ranging subject that allows students to investigate and research the relationships between countries and governments. Language plays a crucial role in this field, as it enables effective communication and understanding between nations. While English is the lingua franca in global business and international affairs, proficiency in other languages can provide a competitive edge and open up new opportunities.
One such language that international relations students may consider learning is Hindi. Hindi is the primary language of the Indian subcontinent, with around 260 million native speakers. India has 23 official languages, and Hindi is the most prominent among them. As India continues to develop its industrial and digital sectors, proficiency in Hindi can be advantageous for international business experts, government trade negotiators, and diplomats.
Business Hindi materials focus on speaking, listening, and reading skills. The formal style of spoken and written Hindi differs from the informal style, and learners must be adept at both. Learning Hindi can be challenging due to its complex grammar and unique script. However, with dedicated study, students can achieve proficiency in business Hindi, aiming for the Advanced-Mid to Superior level.
Additionally, Hindi language skills provide access to Hindi business newspapers, television channels, and other media sources. These sources offer valuable insights into India's business landscape and domestic issues, sometimes presenting perspectives that differ from those in English-language media. Thus, proficiency in Hindi enables a more comprehensive understanding of the Indian context, which can be invaluable for international business professionals.
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Frequently asked questions
Language proficiency is not a requirement for academic success in international relations, but it can make you more employable. Learning a language demonstrates comfort working with people of diverse backgrounds and knowledge of global cultures and systems.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as it depends on your interests and specialism. For example, Arabic is a good choice given its prominence in the Middle East, a perpetual hotspot for international attention. Similarly, Mandarin is a good choice as it is spoken by billions of people. Other languages to consider include French, Spanish, Japanese, Russian, Hindi, and Punjabi.
It is better to be a master of one. Fluency in one language will make you a more attractive candidate than having basic knowledge of several.
No, you do not need to be fluent. Basic proficiency in a second language is better than none at all. However, it is worth noting that language proficiency can take anywhere from 4 to 8 semesters to achieve, so it is a significant time investment.
