THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Abstract

This project shows the importance of English in this globalized world. While English is not the most widely spoken language in the world when you look at it in terms of the number of native speakers, it is the world’s most prominent language. But a larger number of people speak Chinese, that language is largely confined to China. English on the other hand, is spoken around the world. It has been estimated that out of the roughly six billion people that are alive today about 350 million speak English. When you look at the importance of English for International Business, you must look at more than just the number of people who speak it. You must also look at what the language is used for.

Introduction

I decided to choose this topic to inform and demonstrate the high importance of learning a second language such as English, because this is the most prominent language around the world. A high number of students finish their studies and they are excellent professionals but on the other hand they have a poor level of English and this close a lot of doors at the time they want to obtain a better job.

The English history is very interesting and helps us to understand how English became a Global Language. The world has been changed so drastically, and English is so rooted in educational systems around the world as a second language. It is important to mention the constant bombardment of Anglo-Saxon culture in the South America civilization. English language comes in all our commercial transactions throughout the globe. English is the language of the latest business management in the world. English is a means not only for international commerce; it has essential for inter-state commerce and communication.

Statement of the Problem

Generally speaking, working people are always in contact with foreign languages speakers. When people do not have good English skills, they lose important opportunities to establish a negotiation.

Many English-speakers do not want to learn other languages because they believe that, most of the people they do business with, in foreign countries can speak English, and if they do not speak English, interpreters can be used. The lack of foreign language knowledge puts the English speakers at a disadvantage to make negotiations. When people do not learn English they lose themselves a lot of opportunities and not only in business also in studies, tourism, trips and employment opportunities.

Broad Objective

Informing about the importance of English in International Business and how the lack of knowledge of this language affect negotiations. The principal objective of this topic is persuading the reader to learn or improve their level of English, because learning a global language open all business doors and other opportunities too.

Specific Objectives

The objective of each unit is to provide you with the appropriate information to the reader about different items which involve the principal topics such as the Importance of English in International Business, I am going to inform about the following chapters:

The first chapter is about the History of English as a Business Language, I am going to explain the history of English, and the stages happened until that this becomes a global language.

The second and third chapters are about important concepts of English as a Lingua Franca and the meaning of International Business and how important it is in this globalized world.

The last chapter is an interview to a CELEX director where the reader is going to know what he thinks about the importance of English in Business.

The result of this thesis is to motivate the reader to study English and learn that it is an important aspect in life.

Study Place

My project is going to be develop in Guayaquil, this city has the population to make a study about the importance of Business English, and the place that I choose to do this research is CELEX, an English Study Center, where I am going to find information about what the director thinks about the importance of English.

Statement of Hypothesis:

I think that English is the global language for business. A person who wants to be globally competitive in business or any career needs to learn English. Communication problems, incompetence for global business, or the inability to conduct business in the international area is the result of do not getting very good English language knowledge.

People who are finishing their careers consider English just such us a requirement to graduate from university but not as a Global Language that helps them to expand business.

English language provides opportunities to people who want to establish good business relationship with people all around the world.

I hope I can demonstrate how important English is in all aspects, but specifically in business, because we are living in a globalized world where all kinds of negotiation with foreign countries need to have effective English language skills.

Theorical Implication:

Throughout history, many people have reflected on the importance of language. John Stuart Mill said that “Language is the light of the mind.”

Practical Implication:

I agree with that, because humanity can interact ones with others using any language as communication. It means we can say our ideas, feelings, to share our knowledge and other things. Language shapes, thoughts and emotions, determines one’s perception of reality.

Theorical Implication:

According to Richards Et Al (1996:214) “the term lingua franca originated in the Mediterranean region in the Middle Ages among crusaders and traders of different language backgrounds”.

Practical Implication:

A lingua franca is an old term which describes a phenomenon which is a part of the linguistic repertoire used on a large number of multilingual individuals in Europe at that time. In terms of frequency and reach of use, it is certainly now the most prevalent language for intercultural communication and for that reasons it has attracted a good deal of attention recently from all areas of linguistic enquiry.