Pele’s Blog - the source for Business English
Pele’s Blog Mission
In this blog I plan to highlight the role of English in the business world.
I will examine trends, feature related news, analyze case studies, and provide tips for businesses to improve their language skills. I will also demonstrate how businesses can utilize their advanced language skills to increase productivity, boost sales, reduce customer service issues, and clarify their mission.
Recent Study- A Case for Investing in Business English
Just last week the UK National Center for Languages, CILT, conducted a survey showing that each year thousands of European (and Israeli) companies lose business and miss out on contracts as a result of language skills. The decrease in business deals may stem from not corresponding on time - or at all. Alternatively, negotiating in poor English casts doubt for the client on the competence and professionalism of your company. The lack of language skills may also impact the precision in communicating all of the essential information in a business call or email.
CILT continued to suggest that “there is enormous potential for small and medium sized businesses to increase total exports if they invest more in languages and develop coherent language strategies. Research definitely shows that companies that enhance their language skills can better exploit business opportunities. Language management is related to maximizing economic performance.”
Mr. Ari Syrquin, Head of the International Department at Joseph Shem Tov Law Firm, recently quoted this study in his Jerusalem Post article entitled “European Commission promotes investment in language skills” (November 21st 2007). He cited the CILT’s study to show that companies with a strategic approach to multilingual communication can boost their export sales by more than 40 percent compared to competitors.
In the fast-paced global economy, foreign language strategies are an essential part of every company’s growth.
