There are 7,909 languages spoken in the world today. Of them, only 23 represent the majority of the world's population.

It is estimated that, as of 2015, more than a billion and a half people were able to conduct business in English, no matter what their native language is. That number has surely grown since then!

Although no political body, administrative group or scholarly assembly purposely strove to make English the world's business language, the fact remains that:

  • The World Government Summit, a global peace and cause advancement initiative, held each year in Dubai, is conducted in English.

  • The United Nations, a body active in all aspects of humanity, consists of delegates from almost every country in the world. Although individual nations carry out missions using their own language, major conferences are all held in English.

  • Scientists from all over the world publish their findings in English, which became the language of science during the 1920s.

  • As of 2008, all pilots and air traffic controllers must use English for all international flights, no matter which country they live in.

English remains the language of the business world because of how widely spoken it is. While it is possible to do business in Canada in the many native languages, you will need to learn English to scale your business.

The English language is no doubt one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It is estimated to have the third-largest native speakers in the world.

Business English is an English course in most universities. It centers on English grammar peculiar to the business world. The majority of international students in Canada take Business English to prepare themselves for the dynamic business world. One of the reasons is to widen their educational prospects and improve their career choices. The global market takes business English to be a prerequisite in the modern international corporation.

Therefore, if you want a career in the business world, understanding business English is vital. It would help if you had it to communicate efficiently in the business world. Thanks to the advent of technology, taking a business English course is easy. You can take English courses online on learning platforms like Superprof or hire an English tutor in Canada.

The world is a diverse one with different people speaking languages that are peculiar to their nationalities. If everyone is left to do business in the language they understand, it won't be easy to do business with certain people. For example, how does someone who speaks French wants to sell to someone who speaks Japanese? How do people want to enter into strategic partnerships when there is no language unifying them?

English is a very powerful language that continues to drive success and growth in the business world. To succeed in the corporate or business world, Canadians have to invest in learning conversational English.

Superprof understands this, and that is why we shall be considering some basics about learning business English. Let us take a closer look at how and why English has become the language to speak while conducting business.

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What is the Relationship Between an English Course and the Business World?

There are various aspects of the English course open to university students. One of such is the business English course. English is said to be the lingua franca of the business world. In other words, it is the business language. 

But why is English important when it comes to business?

Over the past two decades, English grammar has become the most widely accepted language in the world of business. As such, an excellent mastering of the English course goes a long way in ensuring business success. This is especially true for international students looking for better career prospects in an English-speaking country.

Business English
Mastering business English is essential for success in your career path. Source: Pexels

English is as important a communication language in schools as it is for business. It is widely spoken in the corporate world because more people can comprehend it than other languages. English grammar has nearly become a prerequisite for critical jobs like the military and piloting. Competitive corporate culture demands an impressive command of the English language, both written and spoken.

The vitality of the English course in the business world is hinged on several things. One of such is that all forms of business communication involve English grammar. That includes sales and marketing, emails, presentations, interviews, legal documentation, etc. Today’s business world uses English as a major medium of communication. Businesses, small and large, make use of the English language to run their businesses.

The peculiarity of English is why many businesses prefer it over their native languages. The English language helps strike a balance between the diversity of languages in the business world.

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How English became the language of business?

The influence of any language is a combination of the number of countries using it as their mother-tongue, the number of countries adopting it as their official language, and the number of countries teaching it in schools as their foreign language of choice.

The start of global English language dominance coincides with the founding of the British Empire which, at its height, claimed 23% of the world's population as subjects, and nearly a quarter of the world's total land area.

North America's Thirteen Colonies claiming independence from Britain in 1783 dealt a blow to that sovereignty, but the American rise onto the global stage – and its efforts at furthering English as the language of business did not happen until a few centuries later.

The last century saw a decline in the British Empire but global trade was not impacted
The British Empire, greatly reduced by 1920, still held power over global business. Source: Pixabay

Why did English become the language of business?

Historically, the main factor for establishing a global language has been political and economic power.

Because the British Empire was so mighty and so far-reaching, it drove global economy and trade for many centuries. However, by the end of World War I, the mighty Empire was faltering. Nevertheless, Britain's many colonies, and every country Britain traded with used English to conduct business.

America stepped onto the global stage as a superpower just as Britain's might was waning, and remains dominant today.

Although America has no officially declared national language, the majority of its speakers and its government use English.

America's use of English as their fundamental language translates into English remaining the global language, one that every business uses in every international transaction.

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What Are 5 Reasons Why You Should Invest in Learning Business English?

Business English is a specialized part of English peculiar to the business world which contains words commonly used in the corporate space. It is different from the conventional English grammar in that it targets corporate language specifically and not conversational English that is spoken every day.

As a prospective business person or who wants to work in a corporate setting, here are five reasons why you should invest in learning business English.

  • Become Skilled In English Speaking

Aside from learning the skills needed to excel in the business world, learning business English is vital. It improves your overall English-speaking skill and helps you drive sales better. Learning business English gives you an advanced mastery of the use of words peculiar to a corporate setting. Learning business English also helps you understand pronunciations, punctuation, and grammar better.

  • A Chance to Stay Up-to-Date

Business English classes involve you working with articles and texts from real-life magazines and newspapers. You will also be given assignments where you have to research current news. That allows you to stay updated and familiar with trends. You get to have the latest information on business and world news. You will be vast in knowledge of the world and economy. In addition, you acquire and practice basic analytical skills.

  • A Good Understanding of How the Business World Works

Another reason to learn business English is that it gives you a broad understanding of how the business world works. Business English teaches you how international companies work with one another, build professional relationships, and do business generally. It advances your career faster than you would expect.

  • It Opens You to a World of Job Opportunities

Learning Business English helps you to communicate freely and confidently in the business context. Businesses, small and large, like their employees to be fluent in English. A good mastery of business English is indispensable if you want to make meaningful progress in your career. More so, you have a higher chance of getting promoted faster than your colleagues.

  • You Sound More Professional

If you want to be taken seriously in your career pursuits, your command of business English has to be impressive. When you can express yourself like an expert, you will gain respect and recognition in the business market. With a good mastery of business English, you become a valuable employee.

Why is English Important in the University?

You must have asked yourself the question: “why is English important?”

The English language is one of university students' compulsory courses, at least in their first year. English plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives because it aids in communication. The language is used in teaching all other subjects in the school. For a student, English helps you develop emotional skills and broadens your mind. It also opens you to a world of opportunities in the job market.

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Why learn English course online
Taking an English course in the university will make you develop confidence faster. Source: Pexels

The use of the English language is expanding considering that it is a major means of communication in countries worldwide. It is used in communicating much of the notable literature available today. In media sections where books are published, writers mostly write in the English language. They do this because most of their readers can only read English.

The English language is accepted worldwide, and to be relevant in any professional setting, you need to learn and understand the language.

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What Are Notable Proverbs in English?

There are popular proverbs in English used daily. Learning proverbs in English provides an added advantage for students in that it helps you add variety to your speaking.

Here are some notable proverbs in English you have probably come across but don’t know the meanings.

S/N Proverbs Meaning
1. A stitch in time saves nine. When you resolve an issue immediately, you may save yourself extra work later.
2. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Being away from someone or something for a while makes you appreciate them/it more.
3. Actions speak louder than words. The things you do pass messages across better than the words you speak.
4. The journey of several miles begins with the first step. You have to first begin a thing to finish it.
5. One good turn deserves another. If you do one thing well, you will be entrusted with more responsibilities.
6. All that glitters is not gold. Not everything that looks precious is, in reality, precious.
7. Waste not, want not. If you don’t use too much of what you have now, you won’t have some left when you need it.
8. Avoid putting all your eggs in a single basket. Don’t put all your effort and resources in one place in case you lose everything.
9. Don’t beat about the bush. Go straight to the point, and don’t complicate things.
10. Look before you leap. Be sure you won’t have problems with it before you go into it.
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Why is English Conversation Helpful in Business?

If you think business is just the exchange of goods and money, then you're missing a very vital component. The foundation of business is conversation. Business owners and their employees need to learn the best ways to interact with customers. The goal of customer interaction is to convince prospects to engage with your business and retain existing customers.

English conversations also help to increase engagements on business posts. Social media is a very powerful media tool that should be leveraged for growth. One proven way to use social media for a business is to ensure continuous engagements around a post. Considering a large population of the world speak English, conversations keep happening, which increases engagement. The more engagements a business has around it, the higher the chances of recording more visibility which will, in turn, bring about productivity.

Why is English Grammar Dynamic?

The English language adapts quickly and is constantly changing. Every year, new words are added to dictionaries worldwide. Considering that we are in the age of instant communications, new words are added. Word meanings change faster than the world can catch up. If you look up the origins of words today, you will be amazed at how much their meanings have changed.

One of the reasons languages like English change is to meet the needs of their new speakers. For instance, ‘texting’ was originally called ‘text messaging’ because it lets one person text another by phone. As texting became popular, people began using the short form ‘text’ to refer to both the act and the process of texting.

Another reason for the dynamism of the English language is the advent of computer-related concepts. The English language is therefore considered the most dynamic language in the world. Nevertheless, the fact that the English language is changing does not mean it loses its elegance. It is simply becoming different and going with the dynamism of the world.

If you want a chance at succeeding in the business world, learning business English is non-negotiable. Superprof offers a wide range of courses in the English language, including business English. It also offers private tutoring services in Canada from the best teachers. With Superprof, you have a chance to learn from professionals anytime

Superprof offers you a free one-hour lesson in your first English class to help you get on the same page with your English tutor. It also creates an avenue for you to review the tutoring services of the person you will be hiring and decide if that’s what you want. Another thing you can do in this free one-hour session is to decide how and where you want to learn.

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How to Learn Business English?

Before learning Business English, you should have a fair grasp of speaking English in general. A good way to test your fluency and pronunciation is to have conversation with native English speakers. If you would rather test your ability on your own, you could take quizzes online.

If you are uncertain about your grammar and vocabulary abilities, perhaps you could take some English lessons online, either online or with a group of other ESL learners.

Because business English has its own vocabulary, it is important that you are well grounded in the fundamentals of the English language before you learn phrases that relate to the direction you wish to take in business. Fundamentals include verb tenses, adjective and adverb use, sentence structure and proper use of expressions.

Listening skills are as important as reading or speaking skills in business, so you should devote a fair portion of your English study time to audio materials.

When learning business English, it is not as important to learn slang as it would be if you were learning English as a second language with no business purpose in mind. However, you might want to get familiar with an idiom or two, just to improve relations with your international business partners.

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Importing goods for restaurants is a great way to use your business English
With your Business English skills, you could open your own restaurant. Source: Pixabay. Credit: Restaurant Antiqua Roma

Which business interests you?

The term Business English is a catch-all phrase that covers international relations – from tourism to politics; trade, and finance.

One aspect of Business English is communication, focusing on spoken English and the language skills needed to host presentations, meetings and negotiations.

Business writing concerns itself with reports, correspondence and memos.

Business English vocabulary is targeted to specific areas. If your interest lies in finance, some new words you might learn are currency, accounting, and liability.

If you are more driven toward tourism and the hospitality industry, your vocabulary would consist of words like accommodation, destination, and fare aggregator.

It is always a good idea to learn as much as you can. However, you should improve your English by first focusing on the vocabulary and English phrases that relate directly to the industry or business you wish to work in. Once you secure your dream job, you can devote more time to English learning.

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Why Should You Take an Online English Course?

Several ways exist to learn Business English, and it varies from applying to a Canadian university to studying English as a second language and registering for an online English course. However, taking an online English course appears to be the best of many English learning options.

One of the benefits of taking an online English course is the ease of learning. You don't have to leave your home or learn English at a time of the day that is not convenient for you. Since everything will be done online, you can access the learning site via your mobile device any time of the day. You can learn in the morning, afternoon, or night depending on what works for you.

Another benefit of taking an online English course is the low cost. Applying to an institution can be costly because you have to consider several things. You will have to make financial plans for tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and other miscellaneous expenses. You don't have to worry about all these costs; you can leverage free online materials to aid learning by taking an online course.

However, you should pay attention to the learning platform you are taking an online course from at all times. While online courses may be cost-effective, the investment of time is enough reason you should exercise care. Start by carrying out a background check to ensure the platform is quality. Then, go through the course preview to ascertain if it aligns with what you want to learn. Finally, decide on the duration of the online English course.

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Will an English teacher online help you learn Business English?

Do you find online courses boring and time-consuming? Or do you prefer something more interactive? Then, it would help if you consider hiring an English teacher online. The online space continues to be a versatile one where we can find everything we need and more. When it comes to choosing English tutors online, there are many options. Some factors you should consider to streamline your options and go for the best include:

How experienced is the online English teacher?

The first question to ask when choosing an English teacher online should center on the teacher's experience. It is better to go for a native speaker than one who studied English as a second language. You can also factor in how long and well the teacher has been teaching by reading the reviews of students.

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English teacher and student
Before enrolling for an online English course, you should check the availability of the teacher. Source: Pexels

How long are they available to teach?

You can find a tutor who is experienced but not available to teach. As such, one of the major considerations to make is the availability of the tutor. It is not enough that they are available to teach, but at a convenient time for you.

How affordable are the teaching services these tutors offer?

Finally, you have to consider the price of the online teaching services. Whether they are charging per hour or on a contract basis, it should be something you can afford. The best way to choose an affordable English teacher online is to review several options.

English students and those enthusiastic about learning business English must consider all these factors because English teachers online can be very helpful when you find the right ones.

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What Should You Consider When Registering for a Business English Class?

If you want to bag a certificate after completing your learning program, the best option for you will be to register for a Business English class. This becomes more important when you are trying to scale up your career. However, important things to note when registering for a Business English class include:

How ready are you for the class?

Choosing a Business English class starts with you defining how ready you are to take the class. Though it is a language class, it can be tasking. Here, you will be taught the different rules of English and how they apply to everyday conversations. Before you settle for any class, go through the curriculum and decide if you're ready for it.

What is your availability like?

Availability is another factor to consider when registering for an English class. Unlike online learning that comes with some flexibility, physical classes are a bit rigid. They usually have a defined timetable for daily activities that will be followed. If you aren't available to keep up with the English class schedule, you can consider an online learning option.

What history does the Business English school have?

An English class is only quality to the degree the school offering such class is quality. Before settling for an English class, you will need to read reviews about the school and the class. Find out what past students are saying about their time in the class, and make informed decisions based on it.

How Can English Conversation Practice Help You Succeed in Business?

Practicing anything is the only way to get perfect at it, and that includes Business English. It is not enough to register for an English class or hire a private English tutor to teach you. You have to practice everything you are learning. How do you go about English conversation practice?

First, start engaging with other businesses. If you have colleagues who are in business, now is the time to start practicing English with them. Yes, there is a possibility of making some mistakes, but you will also learn a great deal in the process.

Another way to practice English conversation is to download interactive business applications from your App Store and use them often. The more English conversation practice you have, the higher the chances of relating with your customers better. For online businesses, you will know how to engage your audience and increase traffic to your website.

What are some proven ways to learn English online?

Before we discuss some of the best ways to learn English online, students should know that discipline is vital. You have to discipline yourself to stick to the requirements of whatever means you have decided to learn with. With discipline, success is achievable when learning any course online.

Business English class
When you learn English in groups, you learn interactively. Source: Pexels

One way to learn English online is through audio materials. Several audio books from trusted native English speakers are available for people to download and listen to. The advantage of learning with audio materials is that you don't have to be confined to a place to learn; you can learn English while on the go!

Another way to learn English online is through written materials which range from blog posts and articles to online courses. You can register with trusted platforms like Coursera or Udemy and take English courses from them.

Finally, you can hire an English teacher from Superprof for a more flexible learning experience. Personalized teaching sessions, detailed answers to questions, and low cost are some of the many benefits you can enjoy from a Superprof English tutor. Not only can you find these tutors everywhere in Canada, but most of them also offer the first lesson free!

Starting Your Own Business With Your New Language Skills

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own store? Importing goods from around the world and introducing them to your Canadian neighbors? What about opening a restaurant? Or a child care facility?

These are all occasions for you to use your newly-gained skills. Organisation and proficiency in English are absolutely vital in businesses that deal with the public. With any of these ventures, you will have to navigate agencies that issue licenses and collect taxes, among others. Here, the ability to use Business English would be of tremendous benefit to you.

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How would you like to be a teacher?

With your developed English skills, you could help non native speakers learn to speak English.

You can promote your services as an English teacher to students practicing for IELTS or TOEFL by posting adverts on college campuses and supermarkets.

You could build a tutoring profile with Superprof and make learning English fun.

Your biggest selling point is that you have experience as a non native speaker learning English. You understand how tricky grammar can be. You might have a simpler way to teach verb tenses and vocabulary.

Consider teaching your native language to English speakers

Scientists agree that people who are bilingual have increased attention spans and are able to focus better in the high pressure business world of today.

Employers actively seek out job candidates who are bi-or multi-lingual because they are absolutely vital in today's global business arena.

Wouldn't it stand to reason that your Canadian friends and neighbors might want to learn another language, if for no other reason than to increase their pay?

Think about the countries that shape the economy; China and India among them. If you are a native speaker of languages from those lands, you could comfortably and confidently teach a native English speaker Mandarin or Punjabi.

Your solid grasp of English conversation, especially in Business English terms, might mean you could win contracts to educate employees in a second language for global firm.

Another business opportunity you could investigate is teaching English online, via Skype, to English learners in your home country.

Online teaching opens up new levels of creativity and opportunity for you. – Sylvia Guinan

Through your efforts at language learning, you know how to learn English. You could conduct general English lessons one on one or in small groups most effectively. Why not learn English through film and songs?

Or, for students already studying English in school, you could offer homework help, grammar exercises and listening practice.

This business opportunity is less demanding of Business English vocabulary than teaching in a classroom or education centre. Still, your Business English skills would be required when completing the necessary forms to declare your business.

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The future is bright for those who can use Business English
No need for oracles: the future of Business English is secure! Source: Pixabay. Credit: Rosie Lea.

The future of English as the language of business

Linguists worry that, because of China's growing economic might, Mandarin may replace English as the language of business.

That fear is intensified because Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world (English falls third on that list of global languages).

What does that mean for you, who has worked so hard to speak English fluently?

Not a thing, other than you should practice English more.

  • Chinese schools routinely recruit native English speakers to teach English to their students.
  • Companies that teach English online are springing up seemingly overnight and flooding the Internet with their tailored lessons. Video tutorials abound as well.
  • Countries such as Pakistan, Japan, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia all staff their international schools with native English speakers to ensure only the highest quality English instruction is given.
  • Sixty seven countries list English as their primary language; a further twenty seven speak English as their official secondary language.

In light of all that, you can rest assured that your Business English skills will be vital for a long time to come.

Discover how learning English can give you greater access to higher education and online materials.

Going back to school can look a little different now. Read our Back to School in 2020 to learn more.

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Marvis Osarhenrhen

Marvis Osarhenrhen

I am a freelance SEO writer focused on helping businesses reach their target audience, get leads and increase revenue using optimized content.