international business language essay

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

Global Business Speaks English

• Tsedal Neeley

Why you need a language strategy now

Reprint: R1205H

Like it or not, English is the global language of business. Today 1.75 billion people speak English at a useful level—that’s one in four of us. Multinational companies such as Airbus, Daimler-Chrysler, SAP, Nokia, Alcatel-Lucent, and Microsoft in Beijing have mandated English as the corporate language. And any company with a global presence or global aspirations would be wise to do the same, says HBS professor Tsedal Neeley, to ensure good communication and collaboration with customers, suppliers, business partners, and other stakeholders.

But while moving toward a single language at work is necessary and inevitable, Neeley’s research shows that implementing such a policy is fraught with complications. English-only policies can create job insecurity and dissatisfaction and generate strife between native and nonnative English speakers in cross-national teams.

Companies can anticipate and plan for inevitable challenges and resistance when adopting an English-only policy. Using Japanese internet services firm Rakuten as a case example, this article outlines guidelines for proper implementation.

Ready or not, English is now the global language of business. More and more multinational companies are mandating English as the common corporate language—Airbus, Daimler-Chrysler, Fast Retailing, Nokia, Renault, Samsung, SAP, Technicolor, and Microsoft in Beijing, to name a few—in an attempt to facilitate communication and performance across geographically diverse functions and business endeavors.

• Tsedal Neeley is the Naylor Fitzhugh Professor of Business Administration and senior associate dean of faculty and research at Harvard Business School. She is the coauthor of the book The Digital Mindset: What It Really Takes to Thrive in the Age of Data, Algorithms, and AI and the author of the book Remote Work Revolution: Succeeding from Anywhere . tsedal

Partner Center

International Business Language

Language is more than just a communication medium; it's the fabric that weaves societies and cultures together. In the words of Nelson Mandela, "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart." 

Understanding the language of business becomes paramount when it comes to global expansion. Communicating and connecting with various markets in their native tongue can be a game-changer. It aids not only in ineffective transactions but also in building lasting relationships. 

Simply put, understanding what is the language of business in diverse regions is a cornerstone of international trade. If you plan for global expansion , you must spend some time mastering the best languages for business.

What is International Business Language?

International business language refers to the key languages that dominate the global business landscape. It is not limited to a single tongue but encompasses various languages that have widespread acceptance in the business community. 

These languages serve as bridges, facilitating smoother transactions, negotiations and communications between entities from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Why is International Business Language Important?

1. Efficient Communication: Understanding the language of business ensures clear and efficient communication between stakeholders, clients and partners. Research shows that 70% of employees feel more confident in their work and team interactions after completing a language course. 

2. Access to Bigger Markets: By communicating in the international language of business, firms can tap into vast markets, attracting a diverse customer base and enhancing profitability.

3. Enhanced Credibility: Demonstrating fluency in a client or partner's native tongue or a widely accepted business language boosts credibility and fosters trust. 

4. Cultural Sensitivity: Knowledge of fundamental business languages also offers insight into cultural nuances, ensuring more effective marketing campaigns and fewer faux pas in business interactions.

Top Global Business Languages to Learn in International Markets

1. English: Often referred to as the international language of business, English holds an unparalleled significance. 

A Harvard Business Review article on business communication rightly puts global business speaks English . Dominant in areas such as North America, Europe, Australia and parts of Asia and Africa, its global impact is evident. 

In 2023, around 1.5 billion people worldwide speak English natively or as a second language; English is undeniably one of the best languages for business. 

2. Mandarin Chinese: The roaring economic dragon of the East, China, communicates primarily in Mandarin. Predominantly spoken in regions like China, Taiwan and Singapore, Mandarin's importance cannot be overstated. With over a billion native speakers, it's one of Asia's most valuable languages to learn for business.

3. Spanish: Spanish is a powerful language of commerce, especially in the Western hemisphere. Dominant in countries like Spain, most of Latin America and even vast communities in the United States, it boasts over 585 million speakers . 

Spanish is crucial for businesses keen on tapping into European and American markets.

4. Arabic: The Middle East, with its vast oil reserves and rapidly expanding markets, speaks predominantly Arabic. Spoken by over 380 million people , Arabic's significance spans across the Middle East and parts of North Africa. Regarding international business language, Arabic is key to unlocking many Middle Eastern markets.

Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest free-market economies in the MENA region, with a large and growing market, an educated workforce and a favourable business environment. 

5. French: The language of diplomacy, French, has always been associated with sophistication and elegance. Predominant in France, parts of Canada, many African nations and the Caribbean, French is spoken by roughly 220 million people globally. As a result, it remains a top contender in the list of best languages for business.

6. German: Representing the robust economy of Central Europe, German is primarily spoken in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. With Germany being the largest economy in Europe, its language naturally becomes essential for business. Over 90 million native speakers vouch for its significance in European trade.

7. Portuguese: Often overshadowed by Spanish, Portuguese is, in fact, a significant language in the southern hemisphere. With Brazil as an emerging powerhouse and other nations like Portugal and parts of Africa speaking the language, Portuguese is vital for international trade. 

8. Hindi: The subcontinent of India, with its booming economy and tech-driven markets, primarily converses in Hindi. Predominant in India and parts of Nepal, Hindi is spoken by over 340 million people. Hindi has become a critical international business language for companies that want to take advantage of India’s robust potential for business expansion .  

In the rapidly globalising world, understanding the international nuances of business is not just beneficial—it's essential. 

Language Barriers Impact on Global Business

Effective communication is a linchpin for success in the intricate world of global commerce. However, language barriers can pose significant challenges, often leading to misunderstandings, misinterpretations and missed opportunities. 

For instance, Dolce & Gabbana launched a series of ads on social media featuring an Asian woman in a lavish D&G dress attempting to eat pizza, spaghetti and cannoli with chopsticks while a male voice gave her an explanation of how to do so. The consumers denounced the ad, with people even calling for boycotting the brand altogether, to the point that even the government had to intervene. 

Language barriers can hinder relationship-building, foundational in business dealings, especially in cultures prioritising personal rapport over formal transactions. 

Scott Kellner , senior VP of sales and marketing at global marketing agency George P. Johnson, says, “It is imperative to study the culture and the way people communicate daily, and to ensure you have people on the team who know the culture you’re marketing to inside and out, to ensure your message will be interpreted in a way that resonates rather than upsets.” 

Hire Seamlessly with Rapid EOR: Transcending Language Barriers in India

Navigating the bustling business landscape of India requires more than just market insights—it demands an understanding of local nuances and languages. But what if you could bypass these challenges and hire top-tier native talent without batting an eye? Enter Rapid EOR .

With a decade of invaluable experience in the Indian market, Rapid is a testament to expertise, reliability and innovation. Their deep-rooted understanding of local dynamics allows to bridge cultural and linguistic divides, ensuring that you focus on what truly matters—scaling and optimising your business.

What sets Rapid apart isn't just their familiarity with the terrain; it's the commitment to compliant hiring. Navigating the complex regulatory requirements and labour laws labyrinth can be daunting, but they ensure a seamless and compliant hiring journey. They even make tailor-made contracts to resonate with the company’s unique needs, aligning with local laws and business practices and affording you the peace of mind you deserve.

Book a demo with Rapid today! 

You may also like...

Benefits of Using an Employer of Record Service

A Comprehensive Guide To Hiring React Native Developers In India (2024)

Hiring in Philippines: A Comprehensive Guide