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Language and Foreign Trade

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Author Info
Mélitz, Jacques

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Abstract

The significance of a common language in foreign trade hinges on translation as well as the ability to communicate directly. In fact, without admitting the facility of translation from one or two selected languages, it is impossible to explain adequately the impact of a common language on foreign trade. Linguistic diversity at home also promotes foreign trade. But the most significant linguistic influence of all on foreign trade is the ability to read and write any language whatever. Besides these basic results, the study examines three special issues: whether English and other European languages are more effective than other languages in promoting foreign trade; whether there are substitution effects of a common language in foreign trade; and whether network externalities of language impinge on foreign trade.

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Paper provided by C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers in its series CEPR Discussion Papers with number 3590.

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Date of creation: Oct 2002
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Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:3590

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Related research
Keywords: foreign trade; gravity model; language;

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Find related papers by JEL classification:
F10 - International Economics - - Trade - - - General
F40 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - General

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  1. Nicolas Sauter, . "Talking Trade: Language Barriers in Intra-Canadian Commerce," FIW Working Paper series 023, FIW. [Downloadable!]
  2. Andrew Rose, 2004. "A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Common Currencies on International Trade," NBER Working Papers 10373, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
    Other versions:
  3. Giorgio Fazio & Ronald MacDonald & Jacques Melitz, 2008. "Trade Costs, Trade Balances and Current Accounts: An Application of Gravity to Multilateral Trade," Open Economies Review, Springer, vol. 19(5), pages 557-578, November. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
    Other versions:
  4. James E. Anderson & Eric van Wincoop, 2004. "Trade Costs," NBER Working Papers 10480, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
    Other versions:
  5. Disdier, Anne-Célia & Mayer, Thierry, 2005. "Je T'aime, Moi Non Plus: Bilateral Opinions and International Trade," CEPR Discussion Papers 4928, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
    Other versions:
  6. Tomáš Havránek, 2009. "Rose Effect and the Euro: The Magic is Gone," Working Papers IES 2009/20, Charles University Prague, Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Economic Studies, revised Aug 2009. [Downloadable!]
  7. Cardamone, Paola, 2007. "A survey of the assessments of the effectiveness of Preferential Trade Agreements using gravity models," Working Papers 7282, TRADEAG - Agricultural Trade Agreements. [Downloadable!]
    Other versions:
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