Essay About Language Proficiency

A language skill is very vital since it is able to create and foster interpersonal relationships and communicate effectively with others (Mendenhall and Oddou, 1985). Language proficiency helps expatriates learn the proper or adequate work values, achieve expectations from others and standard in order to allow them work more efficiently and easily. In return, they will behave in a way that is appropriate to the particular circumstances at working environment as well (Takeuchi, R., Seokhwa, Y., Joyce, E.A.R, 2002). Expatriates are encouraged being fluent in the host country language in order to gain better opportunities to become as a part of group and enjoy a better job environment with host country nationals. This is because when they unable to speak a common language with host country nationals, they will be place outside the group, lower job satisfaction;

If expatriates able to proficient in these three languages, they are easily to achieve a successful expatriation in Malaysia. When expatriates more proficient in the host country’s language, it will allow them to learn the rules and regulations easily and behave accordingly without any barrier occurred. They will feel more comfortable to interact with the host nationals, as well as the potential for misunderstanding and misinterpretation is greatly reduced (Hsiu Ching, K & Mu Li, Y., 2011). When they didn’t have any misunderstanding and conflict happened with host nationals, they will focus more on their job and it further will improve their job performance as well. The most important thing as expatriates must have the willingness to learn and use local language without being forced by others. Therefore, there have a positive effect of language proficiency on the job performance of foreign expatriates in