An Evaluation of the Importance of English in International Businesses

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the study

I chose this topic to enlighten and highlight the critical need of learning a second language, such as English, because it is the most widely spoken language in the world. A large number of students complete their courses and become good professionals, but they have a low level of English, which closes many doors when they wish to get a better job.

The history of English is fascinating and helps us understand how English became a global language. The world has changed dramatically, and English is deeply embedded in educational institutions all around the world as a second language. The persistent assault of Anglo-Saxon culture in South American civilisation must be mentioned. The English language is used in all of our commercial interactions across the world. English is the language of the world’s most recent corporate management. English is used not just for worldwide trade, but also for intra-state trade and communication.

Statement of the Problem

Working individuals are constantly in contact with persons who speak a foreign language. People who do not speak decent English miss out on key possibilities to negotiate.

Many English speakers do not wish to learn other languages because they assume that most of the people they do business with in foreign countries understand English and that interpreters can be employed if they do not. English speakers are at a disadvantage in negotiations due to a lack of foreign language competence. People who do not learn English miss out on many chances, not only in business but also in study, tourism, travels, and work..

 Objective of the study

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.

Theoretical 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.

Theoretical 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.