Nowhere is the challenge of managing a multicultural workforce greater than in the professional football industry, especially the Premier League which features workers from toute le monde.
French may be the lingua franca at Arsenal, where Arsene Wenger regularly fields a side sans les Anglais. But "Big" Sam Allardyce, whose Newcastle United team has fielded nine foreign players this season, is holding the language line and insists English will be the only language - other than bad of course - allowed during training sessions.
"When we move into the training areas and start training properly they have to communicate in English," said Allardyce. "It has to be one language for all when we're training and playing. I haven't gone as far as issuing fines but, if a player persists, it's something I might consider."
Since "Big" Sam no longer speaks to the BBC it's diifcult to compare his English to that of the lads. But perhaps a few Julio Geordio phrases might benefit his overseas players to settle into the melting pot that is downtown Newcastle upon Tyne.
1. Mak mine a big 'un Big Sam = Pint of heavy please boss
2. Wor lass wants to gan yam = My lady wife wants to return to Paris/Milan/Madrid
3. On me heed Geremi bonny lad = Cross the ball at head height my good fellow Geremi
4. Why aye Sam, English is just champion wi' me = I'm happy to speak English boss
5. Diven't gan in the netty aftor the gaffa = Don't use the toilet after Big Sam
6. Haddaway wi ye Ah'm oot a 'ere = I want a transfer
