Abstract

This perspective article discusses the teaching and learning of business English (also referred to as English for business or workplace English) with specific reference to processes related to globalization. Additionally, the paper investigates the international contexts of business English textbooks commercially available worldwide and how they position themselves in order to target the perceived needs of students of business English. As a working framework, this paper proposes a coherent definition of interculturality which is regarded as essential in order to underpin any discussion of, and approach to teaching and learning business English in international contexts. Moreover, the key intercultural-related skills related to this industry can be isolated as: relating and responding appropriately; developing awareness; respect; and negotiation. These are broad skills that reflect and express a greater awareness of the inseparability of language and culture and stress the need to prepare language learners adequately for intercultural capability (Bolten, 2017) in an increasingly multi-cultural world. The paper concludes by underscoring the need to empower learners with relevant competencies, particularly critical thinking, in order to meet the challenges of evolving, dynamic, globalized contexts of business.     

Keywords: Business English, Critical Thinking, ELT/ESP, Interculturality  

Richard R.P. Gabbrielli is a professor in the Department of International Tourism and Business at Yasuda Women’s University in Hiroshima, Japan where he teaches business English classes, communication studies, and intercultural communication. He is particularly interested in applying semiotics and communication theory to ELT. He has published four textbooks (one co-authored), a monograph and a book on sociolinguistics. He is from London, UK, born to Italian parents. He speaks English, Italian, French and Japanese. Before entering the teaching profession, he was a businessman in London. He is an avid book reader and loves walking.