If you have ever wondered, as I have, about the impact of language proficiency on work efficiency, read Mariana Lenharo's article "The True Cost of Science's Language Barrier for Non-native English Speakers" in Nature.
Reading speed in general affects work productivity. The slower we read, the more time we need to do our jobs. Lenharo's reporting underscores how this fact amplifies for students and employees in science. The article quantifies the extra burden, citing many extra workdays needed for developing nonnative English speakers. I admire the additional effort these people put into their research, reading, and writing. This article epitomizes why they deserve our respect.
A special thanks to Dr. Mary Beth Mulcahy for bringing the article to my attention.
