There are different styles and forms in English, such as spoken, written, formal, street talk, business, etc. and each style is used in a specific context; While many language learners, start with General English and then master one or some styles, nowadays, there are plenty of people who feel a great need to Business English from the very beginning. In this post we are going to highlight the differences between General and Business English and will also discuss the importance of learning Business English. For Business English classes click here and for Business Communication classes click here.
Business English
In a nutshell, Business English is the typical language you need for your job which can help you develop some effective communication skills in your workplace and also get better business opportunities. It’s everyday spoken language plus practical written skills used in work situations, like talking about your job and responsibilities, doing interviews, giving presentations or reports, sending emails, writing letters, etc. It is mainly used in business contexts, such as international trade, commerce, finance, insurance, banking, and many other office settings.
Merriam Webster defines it as “English as used in business. specifically: the study and practice of composition with emphasis on correctness, propriety, spelling, punctuation, and the forms of business correspondence.” It also refers to it as “English as taught in non-English-speaking countries in courses that emphasize its commercial rather than its cultural importance and that are normally designed to produce conversational fluency within a limited vocabulary”
General English vs. Business English
General English refers to the common spoken and written English which includes everyday language of native English speakers in different life situations. The areas general English focuses is much broader than Business English, as it entails every possible context while Business English, as the name suggests, focuses on some specific situations which are mainly related to the language used in workplaces, business meetings and interviews, business communication, either written or oral. The language could be formal, semi-formal and also friendly.
The new necessity of modern life is to know how to communicate in different context; so, the more you know the right ways to communicate with the world, the more successful you are. People judge you by your expertise, so if you are an expert in your field there are few chances of failure.
The Importance of Learning Business English
Finding the right career, getting ahead and landing in the desired position is everyone’s dream upon entering the world of business; and there are some special aspects that normally distinguish one employee from the other. In other words, employees with better qualifications might get ahead in a shorter period of time, and climb the career ladder much faster than the others; how is this really possible? A senior with an admirable list of qualifications is beaten up by a fresh new comer?! Yes, that is true and possible, when you are stuck there, without improving your skills, saying no to any new changes, sooner or later, others pass you by, and you are left high and dry, trapped in your spot!
The modern world is the sphere of communication and negotiation in every field, it is not just the business but communication of any kind, virtual, verbal, written, spoken, business talk, small talk, whatever; your ability in interacting well with others can single you out, put you on the edge of the success ladder, you may climb it steadily or jump up every 2-3 levels at once, just with your better skills; that is to say, you need to sharpen your communication skills in order to make yourself known internationally; to be in contact with your colleagues, business partners directly without a need to a go-between; actually, by knowing business English communication, you can:
- do your business smoother
- develop your business worldwide
- boost your business territory
- be a successful well-known business man
Actually, Knowing English, enables you to study different original books or articles related to your business, make proper searches on the net, make your negotiations, attract more business, along with so many other benefits.