The influence of internationalization is something that has become very apparent in the last few weeks. We are all connected as the financial markets clearly show. As English continues to dominate global commerce, adapting yourself to the world market is becoming the norm. Most notable is the shift within Europe.
Many young Europeans are focusing on improving their English so they can leave their native country for more opportunities in other major markets. I recently had a student from Rome, who visited the Netherlands without the knowledge of his employer, to spend a week in a language institute so as to prepare himself for job interviews in London and Amsterdam. One of the first things he realized was that his Italian-English way of doing business would not be globally understood. A shift in mindset was necessary and after his week with me, it had begun.
Business English has become a fundamental requirement in the current corporate landscape. Without a solid understanding of the nuances of the English language, a non-native English speaker automatically loses a major advantage in their commercial endeavors. Whether within negotiations, during presentations, or just for social conversation, many citizens of various European nations are realizing that the global economy is driven by the English-language and they need to understand that language pronto. In the Netherlands, language institutes and communications coaches are increasingly becoming the norm in the development of this market. Germans, Belgians, and many other Western European citizens frequently travel to language schools in the Netherlands to improve their English skills and to network. In doing so, these people develop an essential internationalization competency – breaking barriers.
Until another language (i.e. Chinese) becomes the central language in the race for globalization, nonnative English speakers must continue efforts to understand their British, Australian, and U.S. counterparts. However, the language institute shift is also creating a change in the balance of power that the Anglo-speakers have maintained for many decades. Even though many Europeans are learning the English language and its unique nuances, if a certain country is considered a global force to be reckoned with (i.e. Russia and China), native English speakers must adapt their language to the styles of the local cultures as well.
Native English speakers have often had to make efforts to communicate culturally with their foreign constituents. Yet, this effort has not always been successful. For example, everyone knows that doing business in many Asian countries (especially Japan) requires a high-level of indirectness and respect.
Hierarchy and saving face are imperative business qualities. I worked for an international Japanese company a few years ago and even though they were based in Europe, most of the rules of the Japanese Theory Z still applied. It felt like an Asian territory within Europe. The European employees within that company had many difficulties adapting themselves to the Japanese. On the other hand, the Japanese held their stances and would not bend to Western norms, as they clearly controlled that specific market.
Unfortunately, there is also a level of animosity towards native English speakers. Specifically, the common lack of multilingual skills among English speakers is one of the reasons that communication is often difficult throughout the corporate world. Most British and U.S. citizens do not speak more than one internationally spoken language and to some, it appears that they are not particularly interested in learning another language for the sake of internationalization (at least for now).
Nonetheless, most young adults (from any country) fail to understand the benefits of languages until they start to fully realize the world they live in. And with the popularity of language institutes, everyone has an opportunity to learn English or any other language to capitalize on globalization. Knowing more than one language fluently gives career-minded individuals a superior edge. I had a Dutch student recently who came to me with the hope of being able to tackle both Asian and British Business English cultures. He was a fairly fluent and accurate English speaker, but when we did several rigorous role-plays, the shock on his face from his lack of language awareness was heart-breaking. He survived. Still, I can promise you that when he faces a Brit or a Singaporean. He will be ready.
Tags: business english, europe, international market, language skills
