Impacts of Language Proficiency on Economic Activities

Abstract

Language proficiency plays a crucial role in economic activities, such as securing a good job and establishing a business network at both national and international levels. The objective of this study is to analyze the proficiency of languages like Nepali and English in economic opportunities such as better obs, establishing business networks, and access to higher education. The study employed quantitative data and utilized a descriptive research design. The perceptions of the respondents related to the proficiency of the dominant languages like Nepali and English, and its effects on economic activities was analyzed. A five-point Likert scale, Strongly Disagree (SD), Disagree (D), Neutral (N), Agree (A), and Strongly Agree (SA), was used to collect the perception of the respondents about the relationship between proficiency of the dominant languages and its ‘impacts on economic activities. Primary data were gathered from Kathmandu valley, the capital city of Nepal.100 respondents were randomly selected as respondents. Respondents' views are summarized in tables with percentages, mean values, and standard deviations. From the data analysis, it is found that the majority of respondents agreed that proficiency in dominant languages like Nepali and English influenced the economic activities, such as facilitating business networking, enabling national and international migration, and improving access to employment and higher education in Nepal. In the context of Nepal, proficiency in dominant languages enhances economic activities and helps to reduce poverty through improving access to education, fostering business connections, and supporting mobility. The government should design language policies by focusing on economic factors rather than only the cultural aspect. The implications of this study brings new insight into language issues in Nepal that will be useful to ensure economic prosperity through language proficiency.