----------------- HES POSTING ----------------- Knowing Mathematics is essential to improve analytical skills in economics. It is also important in the communication with peers, since, as we all know, economics turned to be a very mathematical subject. However, knowing other languages is also crucial for communication. Think of policymaking. Some decades ago Albert Hirschman created the expression "visiting-economist syndrome", to criticize foreign missions who went to underdeveloped countries and issued policy recommendations without a close examination of the institutional conditions prevailing in the region. A foreign advisor who works for bi-lateral and multi-lateral organizations should make a definite effort to learn the language and assimilate the culture. He must "understand the understanding" that locals have of their problems and of the proposed solutions. Without knowing the language, he will tend to rely on abstract prescriptions and general principles that were probably never applied in his home country and definitely will not work. Ana Maria Bianchi Universidade de Sao Paulo ------------ FOOTER TO HES POSTING ------------ For information, send the message "info HES" to [log in to unmask]