Business English is a specialised form of the English language used in the context of business communication. In recent years, the growth of global trade and the increasing interconnectivity of the world economy has led to a significant increase in the use of Business English as a means of communication between companies and individuals from different countries.
Business English is becoming a hot-in-demand subcategory of wider English language learning, useful for office workers or people working in corporate jobs. It’s usually taught to people already proficient in English who are looking to add some more technical vocab to their or improve communication skills in things like sales presentations, negotiations, appraisal meetings, business reports and day-to-day correspondence with colleagues.
For this reason, Business English is becoming a popular niche for freelance teachers to tap into (remember, having a niche is the best way to earn more money) while there’s no shortage of business people looking to expand their language skills. Teachers can make it fun, too – there are lots of ways to teach Business English in an engaging way for your student such as:
– Reading and analysing business news articles and reports
– Practising email and letter writing in a business context
– Role-playing business meetings and negotiations in English
– Listening to and watching business-related podcasts and videos
– Building vocabulary through flashcards and quizzes
– Practising giving presentations in English
– Reviewing and analyzing business documents such as contracts and financial reports
One of the main drivers of the growth of Business English is the globalisation of trade and commerce. With the rise of multinational corporations and the growing number of businesses operating on a global scale, there is a growing need for a common language that can be used for communication between different countries and cultures. Business English has emerged as the language of choice for many international companies, as it is widely spoken and understood by people from different backgrounds.
Another important factor contributing to the growth of Business English is the increasing use of technology in business communication. With the advent of the internet and other digital communication tools, it has become easier for companies to communicate with clients and partners from different parts of the world. This has led to an increase in the use of Business English as a form of communication in every medium from email to instant messaging and the boardroom itself.
In addition, the growth of international education and the increasing number of students studying business and management in English-speaking countries have also contributed to the growth of Business English. As more and more young professionals are exposed to Business English in their education, they are more likely to use it in their future careers, thereby driving the demand for Business English in the global workforce.
As the world economy continues to become more interconnected, the use of Business English is likely to continue to grow in importance.