Foreign language skills and the freelance writer
I started this meme (if you want to call it that) on my company’s blog and got some interesting reaction. So, I thought I’d continue it in this space — but on a slight tangent.
One thing that you might not know about me is that I’m absolutely horrible with foreign languages. I’ve tried learning three over the years and am 0 for 3. For whatever reason, my brain isn’t wired for picking up foreign tongues. Sure, I can get by — to varying degrees – in three or four foreign languages. But I can’t nor will I ever be able to use them professionally.
But this post isn’t about me. It’s about you. Here’s a question for the fives of writers who read this blog: if you know one or more foreign languages:
- Has that knowledge of foreign languages been an advantage in your freelance writing career? Why or why not?
- Do you get much work in the language(s) that you know?
- What percentage of your work is done in foreign languages?
Please share your answers to those questions, and any thoughts that you have on the subject of foreign language skills and the freelance writer, by leaving a comment.
Photo credit: defret from stock.xchng
