Business English

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Business English is English language especially related to international trade. It is a part of English for Specific Purposes and can be considered a specialism within English language learning and teaching; for example, the teachers' organisation IATEFL has a special interest group called BESIG. Many non-native English speakers study the subject with the goal of doing business with English-speaking countries, or with companies located outside the Anglosphere but which nonetheless use English as a shared language or lingua franca. Much of the English communication that takes place within business circles all over the world occurs between non-native speakers. In cases such as these, the object of the exercise is efficient and effective communication. The strict rules of grammar are in such cases sometimes ignored, when, for example, a stressed negotiator's only goal is to reach an agreement as quickly as possible. (See linguist Braj Kachru's theory of the "expanding circle".)

Business English means different things to different people. For some, it focuses on vocabulary and topics used in the worlds of business, trade, finance, and international relations. For others it refers to the communication skills used in the workplace, and focuses on the language and skills needed for typical business communication such as presentations, negotiations, meetings, small talk, socializing, correspondence, report writing, and a systematic approach. In both of these cases it can be taught to native speakers of English, for example, high school students preparing to enter the job market.

Business English is a variant of international English. One can study it at a college or university. Institutes around the world have courses or modules in BE available, which can lead to a degree in the subject.[1]

In April 2012, the GlobalEnglish corporation warned that close to 40% of workers, across 76 countries, were ranked as "beginners", who "can't understand or communicate basic information during virtual or in-person meetings, read or write emails in English, or deal with complexity and rapid change in a global business environment." Their press release also named the Philippines the best country for Business English, among countries whose English is not a native language.[2] One year later, The Economist debunked the latter claim, saying "[W]hat we're looking at is not 'speakers of business English', but paying GlobalEnglish subscribers," and naming "a more predictable Top Five": Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Finland and Norway, as found in a study by EF Education First.[3][4]

References

  1. ↑ International Business English (Non-native Speakers) - BA (Hons) - Anglia Ruskin University
  2. ↑ GlobalEnglish Business English Index Reveals Skills Shortage and Unequal Odds for International Business Success in 2012
  3. ↑ Business English: Who's number 1? Really?
  4. ↑ English where she is spoke

Further reading

Frendo, E. (2005). How to Teach Business English. Harlow: Longman.

External links

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