Primary Language Use Plays Key Role, Experts Say

By Rebecca R. Hastings, January 2007

The pace of demographic changes in the United States is increasing the likelihood that multiple languages will be used during the workday. Though some employers may be tempted to control language use, doing so may cause far more harm than they realize, says a law professor who has studied the impact of English-only rules.

“Language use helps develop social bonds,” says Cristina Rodríguez, assistant professor of law at New York University School of Law and author of the article Language Diversity in the Workplace, published in a 2006 edition of the Northwestern University Law Review. She says English-only rules might hinder the development of relationships with co-workers, the relationship between the workplace and the community in which it is located, and even the ability of language communities to sustain their existence.

Source: the SHRM Online Diversity Focus Area

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"If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity."

--John F. Kennedy

For your convenience we add to this section from time to time without deleting any links. The new editions will be marked with an asterisk *.

Black Enterprise Magazine
www.ctrsr.org - The Center for Sexuality and Religion is an educational, interfaith, and interdisciplinary organization that assists communities of faith to promote sexual and spiritual health.
www.DiversityInc.com - The leading online and in-print magazine reports current diversity news.
www.glaad.org - The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
www.hacu.net - Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities
www.HireDiversity.com - An excellent site that provides a link between today's multicultural professional and corporate America.
info.monster.com/alliances/diversity - As the need for diverse talent grows, Monster's alliances with organizations focused on specific demographic communities help customers continue to recruit the best and most diverse talent. List of links to these organizations.
www.pflag.org - Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG) is a national non-profit organization with over 200,000 members and supporters and over 500 affiliates in the United States.
*www.SIECUS.com - the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States-has served as the national voice for sexuality education, sexual health, and sexual rights for over 40 years.
www.splcenter.org - The Southern Poverty Law Center is internationally recognized for its work against racism and extremist groups.
www.tolerance.org - Your willingness to examine your own possible biases is an important step in understanding the roots of stereotypes and prejudice in our society. Take a Hidden Bias Test at this site to measure your unconscious, or automatic, biases.
www.wisdomquotes.com - Quotations to inspire and challenge.

Thank You in over 465 languages

Listen to Lenora's latest radio interview! She provides an in-depth discussion on the value of diversity and why organizations that embrace diversity have the advantage in today's competitive environment. Click here, then scroll down to the February 21, 2006 episode!.

"One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings."

Franklin Thomas in Gloria Steinem, Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions, 1983

Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP is an internationally recognized speaker, diversity consultant, and author with more than twenty-five years experience in the public and private sectors. As an educator and keynoter, Lenora has developed a unique way of presenting sensitive topics in a high-energy, fun-filled, yet thought-provoking way. Call today to book her for your organization - 888.288.8885.

Helping you make diversity an advantage,

Lenora

Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional)
lenora@LenoraSpeaks.com

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