The economic and cultural influence of the United States and the remnants of British colonialism resulted in English becoming the global language it is today. Scholars and researchers around the world have coined various terms for the phenomena, including Ahulu’s “General English” and Brutt-Griffler’s “World English” (Rao, 2019). It is used during visits to foreign countries for leisure and in the business setting of international trade. Furthermore, many of the world’s best universities teach their courses in English. Large and medium multinational corporations benefit from conducting their business in a language common with their competitors and allies in the market. The resultant ease of communication facilitates better business and higher profits and reveals opportunities that are otherwise concealed. The truth is that English proficiency is no longer just an advantage in the business world – it is a requirement for success.
Advantages for Employers: Convenience and Security
First and foremost, English as the professional language benefits the employers, providing a safe and convenient way for international business transactions. With globalization and improved transport systems, international trade is not only possible but highly profitable and, therefore, desirable. However, to effectively conduct business with foreign companies and contractors, the parties must communicate efficiently. Otherwise, there is a risk of miscommunication or the inability of the two companies to negotiate, potentially leading to the loss of business (Neeley, 2021). Historically, translation has played an important role in international and intercultural communications. However, it complicates the transactions and bears several risks for either or both of the parties, including loss of reputation or financial security or legal liability (Redan, 2021). The common solution to these issues is choosing a “lingua franca,” or a common language spoken by both parties (Crystal, 2003). Therefore, it is both simpler and more secure to maintain transactions in English.
Advantages for Employers: Labor Pool
Moreover, establishing a company-wide professional language policy increases the demographic of people considered for employment. By using local languages other than English within the company, businesses limit their labor pool since foreign professionals looking for work might be unable to join the staff due to the language barrier. On the other hand, by adopting English as the primary professional language, companies open themselves to potential new employees from all over the globe. As of 2021, as many as 1.75 billion people, or 1 in 4, have useful knowledge of the language (Neeley), both native and learned speakers. The ability to conduct business in a single language around the globe allows companies to expand their products and services internationally, significantly increasing their profits.
Advantages for Employers: Appeal to More Customers
Furthermore, there is an undeniable benefit to expanding the customer demographic by increasing international appeal. No matter the company policies and strategies, businesses can only make a profit if their products and services sell well. Targeting consumers that are not native speakers of the language the company originates from means appealing to billions of people that could potentially be sources of profit. However, to be able to advertise and consequently sell internationally, companies must be able to produce marketing strategies that will be understood around the world. Although these strategies might still differ from one country to the next, if a company’s corporate language has allowed it to hire international employees, it is possible they have insight into multiple cultures.
Advantage of English for the Employee
On the other hand, English is also a requirement for individuals wishing to succeed in the business world since it increases employability. As discussed above, it is highly profitable for corporations and companies to establish English as the corporate language. Therefore, it might be a hiring requirement for some positions the individual might be considering. Furthermore, in some companies, it might open the door to higher-paid roles at the company, especially if the applicant has a high level of English proficiency in a foreign company. Moreover, as mentioned above, knowing the language allows the individual to access top universities and colleges. According to Top Universities, out of the top 10 MBA programs globally, only three are based in non-English speaking countries (“World University Rankings – Full Time MBA: Global,” 2021). Nevertheless, HEC Paris, INSEAD, and IE Business School in Barcelona, the universities in question, list English as the internationally compliant language of instruction (“World University Rankings – Full Time MBA: Global,” 2021). Since an MBA is often necessary for a high-paying position in the business world, English is an absolute requirement for success.
Why English?
However, although the reason for a global language in the international business market is obvious, what is the reason behind the popularity of English? The answer to this question lies in the historical, cultural, economic, and socio-political contexts. Firstly, the colonization patterns have resulted in now independent countries worldwide adopting English as their official or extremely commonly spoken language, such as Canada, the US, Nigeria, and India (Neeley, 2012). The historical reasons for the popularity of English span beyond colonization, however, as the language unified the British Isles by being used in print (“How English evolved into a global language,” 2010). The wide use of it in print translates to today, as English is the most used language across the Internet and popular media (Rao, 2019). Although streaming services such as Netflix today often offer translations of popular films and shows, many people oppose dubbed content, and American cinematography still reigns as the most popular globally. Overall, there are numerous reasons for English becoming the global language of today, regardless of whether it will last.
To Wrap It Up
English is an absolute necessity for success in the business world. Thankfully, there are thousands of resources available online designed to aid individuals in their English learning journey. From free websites such as Duolingo to podcasts tailored to every level and need of the student, such as those listed on the Podcastsinenglish website (n.d.). Although it can be intimidating to start learning a new language or to improve sufficiently, the opportunities that arise as a result make the effort well worth it.
References
Anglade, T. (2016). No English, but a few friends & a lot of talent: Moving to Silicon valley as a foreign founder with Kazuki Ohta (Treasure Data). Scale.
Children around an atlas [Photograph]. (2021). EF English Live.
Crystal, D. (2003). English as a global language (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
How English evolved into a global language. (2010). BBC News.
Neeley, T. (2012). Global business speaks English. Harvard Business Review.
Podcastsinenglish.com. (n.d.). Podcastsinenglish.
Rao, P. S. (2019). The role of English as a global language. Research Journal of English, 4(1), 65-79.
Redan, A. (2021). Risks and Consequences of Translator Errors in Legal Documents? oXYGen Financial.
World University Rankings – Full Time MBA: Global. (2021). Top Universities.