Languages for business? A research into the applicability in Flemish SMEs of language measures formulated on the European level

In this paper, we will discuss the preliminary results of a survey aiming to establish a good understanding of the needs and the expectations of Flemish SMEs with regard to language strategies. To what extent are Flemish SMEs aware of the importance of foreign language skills? Secondly, to what extent do they act on this awareness? Lastly, which European language measures do Flemish SMEs consider to be useful? The background for this research is the 2006 ELAN project, authorized by the European Commission, which states that an average 945,000 European SMEs lose commercial transactions due to insufficient language skills. In 2011, the PIMLICO report was published to promote greater use of foreign languages by SMEs. It describes best practices of 40 European SMEs, selected on the basis of their use of a well-defined language strategy consisting of several language measures. These reports have, however, never completely filtered through operational levels. In addition, one could ask the question whether these measures can be extrapolated to specific national or regional contexts - such as that of SMEs in Flanders, one of Belgium´s three regions. Further research into the applicability of the European language measures thus seems required.