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English as a Key to the Global Workplace
English as a Key
Companies and people who are capable of conducting business in more than one language are at an advantage, both locally in their communities and in the global marketplace.
In some regions it is common for people to speak more than one language. In others, people who have working knowledge of an other language are at a distinct advantage and are highly employable.
Increasing Importance of English
English is increasingly spoken around the world as a second or third language.
It has become increasingly important in the global economy and in communications.
English opens doors in the business world
An argument for keeping it simple:
Most speakers of English are not native speakers.
English is a second, third, or fourth language for many people in the world.
For this reason, communicating across boarders and cultures in English must remain sensitive to the need for plain and concise language.
How did English become a global language?
For hundreds of years, French was a common second language in which to conduct trade or diplomacy. English has replaced it as the new global language.
Reasons for the Spread of English
There are geopolitical reasons for the spread of English around the globe.
The rise of the British Empire spread the English language to its colonies all around the world.
The arrival of immigrants from all parts of the world to the North American colonies and later the United States created a tolerance for different ways of speaking English and led to a simplification of sorts in America.
American and British hegemony in post World War II politics helped to replace French as the global language.
But there are also linguistic reasons for the spread of English:
One reason is the flexibility of the grammar of the language. Compared to many other languages, the word positions are flexible.
Another reason is the flexibility in pronunciation. English can be spoken with many different accents and still be intelligible to others. This is partly the result of the American experience.
Here are some videos giving their take on the development of English as a world language
What is 'Global English'?
Languages are living things that change and adapt over time. While some speak of British English and others of American English, a separate world of Global English is developing that is beyond the boundaries and control of native English speakers and countries. English word use can be different among people from two countries where neither has English as a native language. No country "owns" or gets to define the English of the future. Globalization is creating its own forms of English.
The Arrogance of Assuming English
No, the whole world does NOT speak English
It is wrong and inappropriate to assume that everyone in Europe or in the business world can speak English. Always ask people first.
It is polite to learn a few greetings or phrases in the language of the host country you are in or in the language of your business associates.
Do not assume it was "easy" for the other person to have acquired English as another language.
Do not assume the other person is comfortable using their English and do not try to take advantage of this (it will be noticed). Be grateful for their use of English, especially if they are helping you or are a client of yours.
Ask for clarity to avoid misunderstandings.
Adjust your English to the situation
Listen to the other English speakers to assess the level of difficulty they show, especially with complicated tenses (ie. should have had, will be having, etc.)
Use simpler tenses to avoid confusion, especially when arranging a business deal.
Avoid humor that relies on word interplay, puns, or slang.
While being more direct and concise is recommended, do not do this at the expense of being rude or offending someone from a culture where politeness ranks high among cultural value and might be defined as different from your own.
Do not mistake poor English for low education or intelligence.
On the flip side, monolingual people are sometimes judged for speaking only one language. Try not to be defensive or take it personally.
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