Do you speak English? Yes, I speak Business English

Data: 27.01.2011 | Autore: zeno
Categorie: comunicazione | Tags: Business,English,Globalization,information technology

Why is English considered the vehicular language for the whole world? And what benefit is there for us to know English as a second language? This short article will discuss the growth of English as an international language and explain the author’s meaning of Business English. During the first part of the 19^th century the vehicular language at international level was French and the diplomatic scene was governed by articles published in French, not English. The beginning of English as a common denominator at international level must be sought in the exponential use of Business English. Business English is a term that has developed together with the rise of global commerce and international trading. As communication barriers narrowed, international travel more affordable, mankind has given birth to the ‘era’ of globalization and of information technology (I.T.). This two events have established English as the main international language.

Globalization: a phenomena of the last 30 years, is mainly the result of international trading and of the standardization of consumer needs and product cycles. During my studies at London South Bank University I took a course in “International Firms and their operations”, and it was quite clear that as fast moving consumer goods reach the end of their life cycle in one country, international companies seek to prolong their life cycle by introducing the “old product” into a new market. What I mean is that globalization and international firms have created and then spurred the need to use a vehicular language across the world (I must also say that the first international firms were American!).

I.T.:English was always the main language used by software developers, (not a coincidence that also the first software developers were American e.g. I.B.M. and Microsoft). My generation grew up with Commoder’s’ 64 and Spectrum’s’ computers, first learnt the historic Business English words: “Load” and “Run”. The evolution of the I.T. ‘era’ up to nowadays is common knowledge (and is off the point here). English has become an international language that opens doors anywhere you go. When visiting abroad even the French will communicate in English, the Russians too! English has become an instrument, an essential accessory for communicating with the world. Nowadays however, if international business and globalization are continuing their evolution, English is too! Knowing only a few words is not sufficient.

People need to know Business English. Knowing how to say you name and how old you are is not enough. This is true for normal citizens that want to book a holiday on the internet and for businesses that wants to export their goods into a new market. Business English is a new way of looking at English. Business English means that you don’t need to know English grammar and do lots of boring exercises. Business English means that all you need to know is the correct words that you need for your business and the right pronunciation for them. It means that you must be able to make yourself understood in every country of the world using a limited amount of words and phrases always appearing professional. And of course it means you can understand everything people say to you! Business English means that you can think in English even if you don’t know it!