Hard skills vs. soft skills: The impact of language learning

Charlotte Guest
A business woman sat at a table in a office writing notes
Reading time: 6 minutes

Hard skills and soft skills play a crucial role in defining career success and progression. The difference between hard skills and soft skills is that hard skills are teachable, technical, measurable abilities specific to particular jobs, while soft skills are more interpersonal, universal and related to personality traits. While hard skills refer to the technical knowledge and specific abilities required to perform a job, soft skills are more intangible. They encompass the interpersonal attributes and personality traits that enable individuals to communicate effectively, work collaboratively and adapt to changes in the workplace environment.

In this blog post, we will explore how learning a new language can significantly enhance both hard and soft skills, making you a more versatile and effective professional in today’s multifaceted work environment.

Understanding the balance of hard and soft skills

Hard skills might get your foot in the door, showcasing your qualifications for a position. Developing hard skills to stand out from other job seekers is crucial; take advantage of classes, webinars and workshops offered by your current employer to develop hard skills and learn new technical skills. Examples include proficiency in a particular software, certification in a specific field, or mastery of a technical domain. However, it’s the soft skills, such as effective communication, collaboration, critical thinking and emotional intelligence, that propel you through the door and into the realms of career advancement. Recent research underscores the growing importance of English proficiency as a pivotal element in this dynamic, equally vital for enhancing both sets of skills.

What are examples of soft skills?

Soft skills encompass a wide range of attributes that can significantly impact workplace efficiency and harmony. Examples of essential soft skills include:

Communication: The ability to convey information clearly and effectively is paramount. This includes both verbal and written communication, as well as active listening skills.

Teamwork: Collaborating well with others, often with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, to achieve common goals.

Problem-solving: The capability to analyze situations, identify problems and devise effective solutions.

Adaptability: The readiness to adjust to new conditions, workflows, or technologies, demonstrating flexibility in the face of change.

Critical thinking: The process of objectively analyzing information to make informed decisions.

Emotional intelligence: The ability to understand, manage and utilize one's emotions constructively while also recognizing and influencing the emotions of others.

What are examples of hard skills?

Hard skills are quantifiable, teachable abilities specific to a job or industry. These skills are typically acquired through formal education, training programs and practical experience. Some examples of essential hard skills include:

Computer programming: Proficiency in coding and programming languages, such as Python, Java, C++, or HTML/CSS is crucial for software development and web design roles.

Data analysis: The ability to interpret complex data sets using tools like Excel, SQL, or R, providing valuable insights and informing decision-making processes.

Graphic design: Mastery of design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, enabling the creation of visual content for various media.

Foreign language proficiency: Fluency in a second language can be an asset in international business, for example, in translation services or customer support roles.

Project management: Knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum) and tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira) to plan, execute and oversee projects effectively.

Technical writing: The skill of crafting clear, precise documentation and instructional materials, essential in industries such as engineering, IT and pharmaceuticals.

The importance of language learning for professional development

In our ever-growing globalized economy, English stands as the primary language in countless professions. Developing leadership skills is also crucial for career advancement, as it enhances your ability to manage teams and projects effectively. The ability to articulate ideas clearly, understand complex instructions and foster meaningful connections across diverse cultural boundaries is more than just another skill—it is a necessity. Interpersonal skills are crucial in how people get along with each other, communicate and collaborate effectively in the workplace. Learning English, or improving your proficiency, can substantially impact your hard and soft skills alike. It reinforces your ability to communicate effectively, boosts confidence in professional settings and enhances your global perspective—an indispensable asset in today’s interconnected world.

Our research in the GSE impact of English report reveals a clear consensus among professionals regarding the utility of English in the workplace. An overwhelming percentage believes that English proficiency directly affects career opportunities, earning potential and job satisfaction.ÌýAlmost half say that improving their English has led to feeling more confident, not just at work but also in other areas of their lives. 85% of respondents believe English is a vital skill for professional success.Ìý56% believe that those who can communicate effectively in English can earn up to 50% more, so you can see why learning a new language can be essential for your career progression and how it can support both your hard and soft skill development.

Language learning platforms, such as the ɫèAV English Journey and Mondly by ɫèAV, bolster both hard and soft skills by focusing on practical, applicable knowledge such as negotiating, presenting opinions and leadership. Apps are a popular option, 56% of employees use self-service tools such as language learning apps.

Language learning also complements digital literacy in an age when technology is in every aspect of our lives. With the majority of respondents indicating a preference for self-service tools and social media to improve their English, it’s evident that tech-savvy learners are utilizing modern resources to bridge the gap between formal education and the demands of the workplace.

What skills can good English help you with?

Soft skills

Good English skills can greatly enhance your soft skills in the modern workplace. Enhanced communication allows you to articulate ideas clearly, listen actively and engage in productive dialogues. Strong English proficiency aids in problem-solving and critical thinking by enabling you to analyze information and make informed decisions.

It also boosts adaptability, helping you navigate global work environments and cultural contexts. Improved English skills bolster emotional intelligence, aiding in personal interactions, managing relationships and resolving conflicts. Lastly, proficient English enhances leadership by empowering you to inspire, guide and advocate effectively for your team. It is important not to pit soft skills against hard skills but to develop both in tandem for a well-rounded skill set.

Hard skills

Strong English skills are essential for enhancing your hard skills and thriving in technical and professional domains. Proficiency in English grants access to a vast array of technical literature, online courses and research papers. It also aids in understanding certification programs, exams and professional certificates in industries like IT, finance and engineering. Obtaining a professional certificate can significantly strengthen your technical and workplace skills, making you more competitive in your field.

Effective English communication is crucial during interviews. It helps you convey your technical abilities clearly and ensures smooth interactions with colleagues.

Showcasing your skills

When it comes to listing these enriched skills on a resume, it is crucial to tailor your resume to match the specific soft and hard skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description. Additionally, highlighting any professional certificates can significantly strengthen your skill set and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.

Clarity and honesty are paramount. Clearly show your hard skills with specific certifications or proficiencies and illustrate your soft skills through concrete examples of teamwork, leadership roles, or how you’ve effectively managed work-related challenges. Incorporating language proficiencies, especially English, can set you apart, signaling to potential employers your readiness to engage in a globalized market.

The language learning advantage

The symbiotic relationship between hard and soft skills is undeniable and English proficiency stands at the confluence, enhancing both. For professionals eager to assert their competitive edge, understanding this balance and investing in language learning can yield considerable dividends.

In today’s competitive job market, distinguishing yourself through a commitment to continuous learning—especially in languages—can make all the difference. Workplace skills are increasingly in demand and many employers find it challenging to fill positions due to a lack of these valuable skills. Refine your skills, boost your professional value and broaden your career prospects. Remember, in the quest for professional development, every word counts.

Explore our post 'Improving your business English vocabulary for the workplace'

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    Why knowing the most spoken languages matters

    Knowing which languages are most popular worldwide can influence your language learning decisions. Enhancing your language skills in these widely spoken languages can significantly boost your communication abilities and cultural understanding. It can open up opportunities for travel, business and cultural exchange. Additionally, understanding global language popularity can give you a broader perspective of the world’s linguistic diversity.

    Criteria for measuring language popularity

    Measuring language popularity is a complex task that involves various factors, including the number of native speakers, global influence, and use as a second or foreign language. The criteria for measuring language popularity include:

    • Number of native speakers: This refers to the number of people who speak a language as their first or native language. Languages with the highest number of native speakers often have a significant cultural and historical impact.

    • Global influence: This measures the extent to which a language is used in international communication, business, science and diplomacy. Languages with a broad global influence are often used as lingua francas in various regions.

    • Use as a second or foreign language: This considers the number of people who speak a language as a second language or foreign language. Languages that are widely taught and learned around the world tend to have a larger speaking population.

    By considering these criteria, we can better understand why certain languages are more prominent and widely spoken globally.

    Top 10 most spoken languages in the world

    Here’s a closer look at the ten most spoken languages by number of speakers:

    When evaluating these languages, it's important to consider not just the number of native speakers but also the total number of language speakers, including those who speak it as a second language.

    1. English

    Speakers: Approximately 1.5 billion

    Native speakers: Around 360 million

    Regions: Widely spoken in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

    Highlights: English is the most widely spoken language worldwide when combining native and non-native speakers. It's the primary language in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. English is the dominant language in international business, science and technology.

    2. Mandarin Chinese

    Speakers: Over 1.1 billion

    Native speakers: About 920 million

    Regions: Mainly in China, Taiwan and Singapore

    Highlights: Mandarin is the language with the largest number of native speakers. It's one of the six official languages of the United Nations and has a significant cultural and historical importance.

    3. Hindi

    Speakers: Around 600 million

    Native speakers: Approximately 341 million

    Regions: Predominantly in India and Nepal

    Highlights: Hindi is predominantly spoken in India and Nepal, with approximately 341 million native speakers. It is one of the official languages of India and is spoken by a large portion of the Indian population. It has numerous dialects and is written in the Devanagari script.

    4. Spanish

    Speakers: Approximately 560 million

    Native speakers: About 460 million

    Regions: Spain, Latin America and parts of the United States

    Highlights: Spanish is the official language in 21 countries and is widely spoken in the Americas. In many of these countries, Spanish serves as the national language, playing a crucial role in government, education and media. It’s known for its rich literature and cultural heritage.

    5. French

    Speakers: Around 280 million

    Native speakers: About 77 million

    Regions: France, parts of Africa, Canada, Belgium and Switzerland

    Highlights: French is another of the six official languages of the United Nations. It's widely used in international diplomacy and has a significant number of speakers in Africa due to France's colonial history.

    6. Arabic

    Speakers: Approximately 270 million

    Native speakers: Around 310 million

    Regions: Middle East and North Africa

    Highlights: Arabic is a central Semitic language that is the liturgical language of Islam. It has many dialects, with Modern Standard Arabic being used in formal settings and media. Arabic has numerous spoken forms, with significant variations in dialects across different regions.

    7. Bengali

    Speakers: Around 265 million

    Native speakers: About 230 million

    Regions: Bangladesh and parts of India

    Highlights: Bengali is the official language of Bangladesh and the second most spoken language in India. Alongside other languages like Hindi and Urdu, Bengali plays a crucial role in the cultural and linguistic landscape of the region. It’s known for its rich literary tradition.

    8. Portuguese

    Speakers: Approximately 220 million

    Native speakers: Around 220 million

    Regions: Brazil, Portugal and parts of Africa

    Highlights: Portuguese is mainly spoken in Brazil, which is the largest Portuguese-speaking country. It has a growing number of speakers in Africa.

    9. Russian

    Speakers: Around 258 million

    Native speakers: Approximately 154 million

    Regions: Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia

    Highlights: Russian is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and is widely spoken in the former Soviet Union countries.

    10. Japanese

    Speakers: Approximately 128 million

    Native speakers: Around 128 million

    Regions: Japan

    Highlights: Japanese is predominantly spoken in Japan and is known for its three writing systems—Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji. It has a rich cultural history and is influential in technology and entertainment.

    Conclusion

    Understanding the most spoken languages in the world can provide valuable insights for language learners. Developing strong language skills in these world languages can open up numerous opportunities for travel, business and cultural exchange. Whether you’re looking to enhance your travel experiences, broaden your cultural horizons, or improve your career prospects, learning one of these widely spoken languages could be a significant advantage.

    Ready to start your language learning journey? Learn a new language with Mondly by ɫèAV.