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June 2, 2022

What Is Business English and Why You Should Take a Course on It

Interpersonal Communication Skills Soft Skills Article

English is the most common language used in business globally despite only a fraction of the world fully speaking the vernacular.

Since the English language is incredibly nuanced and complex, there is a more simplified version in use known as “Business English.”

Trade relies heavily on this form of English, so it is important to have an understanding of it, even if you’re a native English speaker. Keep reading to learn more about what Business English is and why it would be beneficial for you to take a course on it.

What Is Business English?

Business English is a specialized form of English used for doing business with non-English speakers.

This method of communication relies heavily upon a simplified version of the language with strict adherence to grammar and structure. It is important to avoid subtleties such as idioms, figures of speech, and localized lingo.

Typically, English for Business focuses on the basic vocabulary used in finance, trade, and international relations. It also covers features such as simple greetings, small talk, and other fundamental communication skills.

The ultimate objective of Business English is to streamline international commerce and trade. By incorporating a rudimentary, universal form of communication into business processes worldwide, there is no need for translators and less confusion overall.

Functions of Business English

Conceptually, Business English sounds like a “Tower of Babel” kind of deal. It seems like a practical solution to international communication on paper, but how does it work in practice?

Here are some of the primary features of Business English and how they are applied to the real world:

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Business English is an imperative part of the business world, especially when it comes to international trade.

Simplified English

The English used in Business English is short, concise, and to the point. There’s no beating around the bush, nor are there any abstract expressions of speech.

Most of the vocabulary used here is basic terminologies. This means there are no high-level synonyms used for elementary words. For example, you’re reading this passage effectively because you’re most likely an English speaker. Think about how hard it would be for a non-English speaker to grasp this paragraph.

Instead of using the full extent of your vocabulary, try using the words you learned in the first grade. You’ll likely get your point across a lot faster and more efficiently that way.

You’ll also want to make sure to use proper syntax structure. Avoiding long, overly-complicated sentences is crucial for Business English.

Specialized Vocabulary

While you are using simple sentence structure and dialect to convey your point, you’ll also have access to a variety of terms used in business, trade, finance, and international relations.

These words are widely taught in the Business English vocabulary and are the pillars of global trade. Business terms are a more advanced form of English, and an understanding of them will make communication between two parties vastly more effective.

Streamlines Business Writing

Official documents and general business writing are much more understandable for English speakers and non-English speakers alike when Business English is used.

Since there is no fluff or filler, there isn’t as much to go through when reviewing documents. Furthermore, it makes translating business writing a lot faster and easier. Unlike literature, the process lacks complex metaphors and lengthy passages, making it optimal for those unfamiliar with the English language.

Overall, Business English expedites writing and reading documents for trade.

Why You Should Take a Course on Business English

Just because you’re a native English speaker doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take any Business English course. It may seem counterintuitive to take a course in your native language, but it assuredly is not.

If you’re unsure where to start, Amphy has a wide variety of online language courses you can take.

Remember, Business English is quite different from regular English, and you may find that taking lessons about it can be exceptionally beneficial to your global trading abilities. Here’s why:

Enhanced Ability To Communicate With Non-Native Speakers

As previously discussed, Business English offers a simplified version of English accessible to anyone with a basic understanding of the language.

Not only can this make you more effective when doing trade internationally, but it’ll also help you in day-to-day conversations. You may find yourself trying to talk with someone who is new to the country or even in a different country with limited access to English speakers.

It is in these instances that you’ll utilize Business English to greet and conversate with foreign individuals.

Brush Up on Writing Skills

Business writing isn’t just applicable to business. You’ll find that most people prefer shorter, more concise documents. It’ll make your writing more organized, understandable, and polished.

It should also be noted that people don’t always write conventionally. These deviations have embedded themselves into a localized culture, thus creating a gap between traditional English and everyday English.

By relearning classical English structure and form, you’ll make yourself more effective in writing both within and outside of the country.

Run Successful Business Functions

By learning to take advantage of Business English, you will be able to successfully run business functions no matter where you are in the world.

This can range from going over a business plan with foreign investors to negotiating with international companies. It’s not just about how good your ideas are – your presentation is everything.

Here are some of the other business functions Business English can help with:

Running meetings
Writing analytic reports
Drafting international policies
Creating executive summaries
Making sales presentations
Translating international legal documents

Conclusion

As you may have gathered, Business English is an imperative part of the business world, especially when it comes to international trade. It is incredibly versatile and all-inclusive, making it effective in unifying trade under a single language.

When communication is everything, you don’t want to risk messing it up. Amphy has courses you can enroll in today so that you can become well versed in Business English.

Click here for a list of classes in Business English, or go to Amphy.com to learn more.