Business English is an aspect in English register. It is the kind of English that non-native English traders employ to facilitate transactions. Business English refers to English that has to do with international trade and global commerce. It is a language arrangement by English-speaking countries to enable businesses activities with foreigners whose language is not English. This is why business English is very popular among traders whose native language is not the same.
Though business English started as a means of interaction between traders from English-speaking countries and traders from non-English-speaking countries, it is now used by international traders with different native languages. This means that business English is now a lingua franca in the global market. The reason for this is the increasing popularity of the English language itself all over the world.
Thus, business English is like a vehicle that transports messages across for the sole purpose of business which usually involves transaction deals between two or more parties. Little wonder everything that business English encompasses revolves around business-oriented vocabulary and soft skills. The vocabulary is meant to guide foreign traders to use appropriate words during transactions, such that they say exactly what they mean. Skills such as presentation, price haggling, etc. make exchange of value possible.
Importance of Business English at Workplace
Since it has been established that businesses English is now the language of the global market, every international trader need it in order to buy and sell. In other words, no business English, no global commerce. To avoid this and to prepare members of staff ahead of the demand of the global market, every workplace has to use business English. This will not only make it easy for the organization to take part in global transactions, it will also strengthen the tie between the organization and other organizations all over the world.
Secondly, business English is pertinent at the workplace because it is prestigious. Due to the influence and honor associated with English, people respect workplaces that use business English. This is important because it is the respect that people have for an organization that informs the organization's goodwill. Using business English at the workplace also makes potential clients feel confident that they can deal with the organization . This, in turn, makes potential customers have a great level of trust in organization.
In addition, using business English at the workplace is a way of solving the problem of cultural diversity. It is expected of of standard organizations to accommodate workers who have different backgrounds and speak different languages. These workers may a problem communicating with one another if they speak no common language. Equally, other workers might feel inferior or less valued if the language of some workers is the language of the workplace. In this case, business English is the best option because it will make all workers feel at home and also communicate with one another.