What languages does a diplomat need to know?

[forensicexpert]

I've heard that English isn't always enough. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Updates

11 mo

Thank you to everyone who responded and helped, I wish I could give MHO to all the opinions. 🙏🏻

[Syntosi]

Depends on where you want to specialize. If you want to specialize in European affairs then learning German, French or Spanish is a good idea. If you want to specialize in Asia then Japanese or Chinese is likewise a good idea. You won't get anywhere in Russia without learning Russian and you could even go even more granular and specialize in very specific countries.

A diplomat is not just "A generic diplomat". They are supposed to be an expert in the country or region that they are responsible for. Learning the language is not required by any means but it is a shortcut and any conversation that requires a translator or using a common 3rd language is not as "intimate" as one in their native language.

[Shiprex]

The more the better. And if you can pick up some of other country's language then you're gonna have a better time as these people will respect you more.

[forensicexpert]

Oh.
What about French and Russian? I'm interested in these two languages.

[Shiprex]

I reckon French has more to offer because there are French speaking places all around the world. Russian not so much but it's a language I LOVE hearing when women speak it. I don't know a word of it but it just sounds so hot. Same with Italian when men speak or especially sing it. Weird also as I have no clue about that language too.

[purplepoppy]

If you enter the diplomatic service your given a language ability test which is based on your ability to distinguish between similar sounding sounds (eg lock, and loch). If you do very well they'll teach you a hard language such as Arabic and if you struggle something easy like Spanish.

[itsannalee]

It’s depends on where they are posted (the country), what department or region they work in or their country’s diplomatic language priorities. But most useful language for diplomats Globally are English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, Russian.

[forensicexpert]

So, the more the better. Thank you. 🙌🏻

[itsannalee]

Of course, the more we know languages the more it helps in society and careers.

Benefit of being multilingual :
Better communication across cultures, more career opportunities, slower cognitive decline with age (some studies link bilingualism to delayed onset of dementia)

[exitseven]

My cousin was a diplomat. He was stationed in Brazil and Sweeden. I do not think he spoke either language fluently. He could communicate but not perfectly

[forensicexpert]

Isn't he a diplomat now?

[exitseven]

He is retired

[Avicenna]

It depends what countries or regions they specialize in, do no, English isn’t enough.

[ChicoFromThe305]

Doesn't that depend on the thing you go for