How English Became the Language of Global Business

If you have ever spoken to another person using a language neither of you speaks natively, you have used a lingua franca. The term “lingua franca”  originates from the Italian phrase “frankish tongue”,  referring to the Franks of Western Europe during the Byzantine Empire (Chirikba). This language was used as a way for traders with different native languages to communicate around the Mediterranean. Today, a globally  recognized lingua franca is even more important to facilitate global business with rapid technological advancements increasing the ability of people across the world to communicate. Due to the historical influence of English, corporate standardization, and the  expanded access to global markets, English has become the current lingua franca of international business. 

The global dominance of English-speaking countries is one way English has become so widespread. Renowned linguistic professor David Crystal states, “A language becomes a global language because of the power of the people who speak it.” The modern linguistic dominance of English  was built on the British Empire’s colonial expansion beginning in the 16th century in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. However, this colonization often demolished local cultures and languages, and also took advantage of native people. The impact of the introduction of English is long lasting. Currently, in Africa alone, over two dozen countries now use English as an official language (Nations Online). Although Western imperialism  is often mistakenly regarded as solely historical, the United Kingdom and the United States are currently first and third respectively for most overseas territories and dependencies (Gavali). Colonization and imperialism continue to be a driving force of the spread of English. 

Additionally, English is largely considered to be the language of TV shows, movies, and music. Many modern music movements found their roots in English-speaking countries, such as jazz, rock, and country. Furthermore,  musicians in non-English-speaking countries often write lyrics in English to expand their global reach, such as Swedish pop group ABBA. In terms of cultural influence and revenue, the United States film industry is considered the largest in the world (Park University). Having so much media in English makes the language more accessible to people worldwide, providing content to pick up the language. The rise of English as a lingua franca is strongly linked to the mass export of English media. 

 Another central way English has become so widespread has been through the scientific community. During the 19th century, the main scientific languages were English, French, and German, with German being the most widely used. World War II led to German intellectuals being shut out from new international institutions of science, as well as German being banned in a number of states in the United States as a language of instruction (Fouka). English articles became the most numerous in international publications, and English was solidified as the scientific lingua franca (McDowell). This development was a critical step in English becoming so widespread. With English being tied to such a vast field of study, scholars across the globe were encouraged to become proficient in  this language and gain access to new information and opportunities. 

The idea that English opens up access to global opportunities remains true in business contexts, as well. Practical advantages to the use of English are a major reason why it has become so popular in international business. For one, it is the most widely spoken language in the world. Estimates of the total number of non-native and native English speakers range from 1.5 billion to two billion (International Center for Language Studies). With nearly a quarter of the world demonstrating some proficiency in English, businesses often utilize English to access consumers globally.  Moreover, English is widely used in international business, trade, finance, and technology, making it a common ground for communication across borders. Businesses that can communicate effectively in English can expand their reach, engage with international clients, and participate in global trade fairs and conferences. All of these factors give businesses that have access to English-speaking opportunities a significant competitive advantage. 

While English may currently be the most widely used language in international business, other languages may eventually challenge English. For example, the increasing number of prominent Chinese companies has made Mandarin proficiency an increasingly valuable asset in business. Furthermore, China is the world’s largest exporter, second-largest importer, and has a significant impact on global supply chains and economic growth (Central Intelligence Agency).

This global power creates substantial appeal to base an international business in Mandarin to gain relations with such an influential market. American companies are already recognizing the importance of Chinese markets. In 2015, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO and Founder of Facebook, gave a thirty-minute speech in imperfect Mandarin to an audience in China (Epsom College). Although the delivery was imperfect, the effort demonstrates how international companies are recognizing the advantages of using Mandarin to secure the massive purchasing power of Mandarin-speaking consumers. 

Another language that could one day replace English in international business is Spanish. Similar to Britain, Spain has had an extensive colonial history, leading to Spanish being spoken around the world. Furthermore, it has a hundred million more native speakers than English (International Center for Language Studies). Spanish-speaking countries, namely Mexico, also play a key role in global trade. Mexico is a major exporter and manufacturer that also ranks among the top fifteen largest economies in the world (World Bank). The global importance of Spanish in worldwide culture and economics makes Spanish-speaking an extremely valuable skill in international business. 

Although proficiency in Spanish or Mandarin is invaluable in today’s global economy, English will likely continue to be the most prevalent for the near future. Currently, international business operates largely in English, and a large-scale shift is difficult to achieve. English is  widespread due to Britain’s historic colonialism. English speaking was further embedded due to its usage in scientific fields, and became firmly regarded as a lingua franca as English-speaking countries became centers of film and music exports. Global businesses tend to communicate internationally through English because it provides access to broader markets and opportunities. For all of these reasons, English is likely to remain the business lingua franca for the foreseeable future..

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Written by Sedona Rain Smith 

References

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