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                                                             The main problem preventing farmers from learning a
                                                         second language is the limited resources available in rural
                                                         areas such as Rodriguez’s village. Opportunities for education
                                                         are rare and expensive, and even in cities, English classes only
                                                         reach beginner levels. However, with the advent of technol-
                                                         ogy and smartphones, it has become easier for Colombian
                                                         farmers to access language-learning resources online for free
                                                         or at low cost.
                                                             As Rodriguez explains, this will enable them to form
                                                         new relationships with buyers, create more direct deals and
                                                         travel with confidence. He believes that learning a second
                                                         language should be compulsory, and that the internet is help-
                                                         ing to bring farmers closer to the rest of the world. By doing
                                                         so, they can put their coffee on the map and get recognition
                                                         for their hard work.
                                                             Another player that has emerged in the last few years
                                                         is AI technology. AI could potentially help bridge language
                                                         barriers by providing instant translation services, improving
                                                         comprehension, and helping to connect people in different
                                                         languages. However, this is a relatively new field and there
                                                         are potential risks associated with using AI language models.
                                                             Companies must be aware of the ethical considerations
                                                         when utilizing these tools, such as ensuring that all data used
                                                         is diverse and representative, and regularly auditing their
 Perspectives, Roles, and Professional Com-  portant step towards improving the quality of specialty coffee   systems to identify bias or discrimination. With this in mind,
 petencies  and creating a more inclusive industry.      businesses can leverage the power of AI language models to
 Perfect Daily Grind, one  of the most influential media   connect with partners and customers more personally, offer
 Last October, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)   outlets in specialty coffee, also supports three languages:   tailored experiences and drive growth responsibly.
 unveiled a new task force to build a robust system for special-  English, Spanish and Portuguese. The website provides articles   Overall, it’s important to acknowledge that language can
 ty coffee cuppers and graders. Composed of more than 40   and videos to help coffee professionals all over the world stay   be both a barrier and a bridge when it comes to specialty
 volunteers and invited organizational representatives, the   up-to-date with industry news, as well as interviews with   coffee. It all depends on how we use it. We should embrace
 group released their inaugural white paper in April 2023.   industry professionals in multiple languages. By providing   the many different languages represented in our industry and
 Called The Value of Specialty Coffee Cuppers: Perspec-  resources in three different languages, Perfect Daily Grind is   make sure everyone feels comfortable communicating with
 tives, Roles, and Professional Competencies, this paper out-  helping to bridge the language gap and furthering the special-  one another. To do this, we need more resources available in
 lines key perspectives on specialty coffee cupping roles and   ist coffee industry.  different languages so that everyone has access to relevant
 professional competencies that are essential in order to create   In the end, we all use our personal experiences and  the   information no matter what language they speak.
 consistent quality standards across the industry. The paper   language we speak to communicate our ideas and feelings.   The specialty coffee industry has started to take some
 emphasized appropriate language use as an important com-  Whether it’s about flavor descriptors, aroma terminology or   steps towards becoming more inclusive and accessible regard-
 munication tool under market advisory competencies.   native languages, the more we understand each other’s expe-  ing this. By promoting multilingualism, allowing new tech-
 These competencies involve the ability to effectively   riences and perspectives, the better our communication and   nologies to bridge language barriers and providing free or
 communicate key concepts about farming and processing   our specialty coffee industry will become. But can we also   low-cost online courses, everyone can benefit from improved
 factors, as well as the capability of creating market linkages   use other tools to enhance our understanding?  communication and understanding. Specialty coffee has the
 between buyers and sellers. Cuppers should be able to use   potential to reach greater heights with increased access to
 language that is easily understood by producers and processors   Exploring  New Technologies  and Online   resources in different languages.
 while avoiding obscure cupping language. They can also aid   Learning  Ultimately, open lines of communication are essential
 in the creation of market linkages by making introductions   for any successful business venture in our global marketplace.
 (in-person or electronically), facilitating relationships as a   A recent article by Helena Oliviero titled “How breaking   Whether it’s through language, AI technology or other means,
 proxy for either party, interpreting needs or language, etc.  down language barriers can help Colombian coffee farmers”   specialty coffee professionals should be working together to
 What’s more, the white paper was released both in   and published on Coffee Intelligence described the experience   foster a more diverse and interconnected world that appre-
 English and Spanish. This is a step towards bridging the lan-  of José Anargel Rodríguez, a coffee farmer from Colombia   ciates cultural differences and uses them as fuel for mutual
 guage gap that often exists between specialty coffee farmers,   who recently had the opportunity to attend an export expo   growth and success. With innovation and dedication, we can
 roasters, and consumers. By recognizing the importance of   in Seattle. Although he was offered interpreters, he struggled   create an even brighter future for the specialty coffee indus-
 language in specialty coffee, this task force is taking an im-  to communicate due to his lack of English language skills.   try and all of its members.


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