MULTILINGUALISM AS A FACTOR IN STRENGTHENING COMPETITIVENESS IN THE ECONOMIC MARKET

The ability to understand each other is a precondition for coexistence and work that we cannot dispense with. In the European Union, where diversity is valued, one language cannot cover all communication needs. Multilingualism facilitates openness and tolerance but also provides for access to new markets and opens up new business opportunities. Nowadays, proficiency in multiple languages plays an important role in a person's life and success. In the context of foreign language teaching, language policies of individual states play a significant role because they lay down the guidelines for educational systems according to which foreign language syllabuses and curriculums are created at all education levels. This paper examines the role of language policy and individual multilingualism and analyses their impact on enhancement of employment prospects in the European Union. The paper also looks at the significance of investments into foreign language learning with the aim to strengthen one's competitiveness in the market as well as activities undertaken to encourage passive and active use of foreign languages in business. In addition, the paper gives recommendations that can help improve the success rate in multilingual business communication.