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Hello Randy
The short answer is, it depends.
The most important qualification for an auditor is knowing how to audit. ISO standards are officially available in multiple language. So if an auditor is working in an international team or in a country where his/her native language is different from that of the locals, English is a bridge important for the job, any job in such a circumstance actually. And auditors would still need to familiarize themselves with any country or state specific terminologies that are applicable to the systems they are auditing.
As for auditors working in their own countries, where the official translations of the ISO standards aren't applicable, the understanding can be gained through study, training and discussion. Here in Pakistan, we have sufficient proficiency in English language but when concepts are being clarified, we will explain or discuss in Urdu. There are even places where the people don't speak any English or find communication in the foreign language alienating, in which case knowing the local language is more valuable. An auditor's merit is how well he/she can audit the system in question and identify areas for improvement.
Hope this helps.
I will not say English is important, it depends, language can be any, but there must be good communication skills and observations no matter which language do you use, your findings must be authentic and with full proof supporting documents.
English proficiency is very important for the auditor, just as an example for how important it is, the ISO standards had changed the use of the word from continual improvement to continuous improvement, and that change of the word had made a complete change of the meaning and implementation of the standard in relation to time managing of improvement. Here the proficiency of the language makes all the difference in applying the standard to ongoing from timely reviews of improvements.
I think having good communication skills is one of the biggest asset for any job, when it comes to auditing it becomes even more important as to do the activity properly, you should know when to soften-up the situation and keep a control of it. You need to be humble and good listener at one time, on the other point you need to be assertive and put your point properly.
As far as being proficient in English is concerned, it is definitely required, because world is now like a bucket full of flowers and English is like a hand using which you can pick these flowers.
As you always find people everywhere with you can communicate in English, moreover, for most of the Certification & Accreditation Bodies the common medium of communication is English. Standards etc. are published in other European languages but the moment auditors/trainers of these countries want to become competent for International Audits, English becomes like a barrier they have to cross.
Having said that knowing regional languages is always an added competency.
Comments are welcome
Thank you experts for your answers!
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