4 Persuasive Reasons to Learn Business English

If your goal is to develop your career and expand your company internationally, it is only natural that you consider learning a second language. A large number of professionals have chosen to learn English to help them achieve new goals.

But why choose English? Instead of Spanish, French or German? What makes English so important?

​ Global Business Speaks EnglishCountless studies and articles have highlighted the importance of English in developing a business. For example, a 2012 Harvard Business Review article with the rather evocative title Global Business Speaks English explained why, whether you are ready or not, English has become the language to master in the business world.

Today, more than ever, it is therefore essential to learn English to give yourself a better chance of professional success. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a manager or even an employee, here are 4 reasons that should encourage you to learn English in order to improve your professional career.

1. It is the most widely spoken language around the world

English is the second most widely spoken language in the world, after Mandarin, but English is spoken in more countries, given that Mandarin is used almost exclusively in China. It is estimated that 1.5 billion people can speak English. That is more than 1/7 of the world’s population.

Learning English therefore means breaking down the language barrier in a large number of countries around the world, not only in countries where it is an official language, such as England, but also in the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. There are also many countries in which English has been adopted as a second official language, for example Germany, the Netherlands and a large number of Scandinavian countries. In Europe, English is the dominant language in more than 16 Member States. 16 états membres.

It is clear that learning English will instantly open the door to new clients, but also to important suppliers and rewarding collaborations with foreign managers or colleagues.

2. Countless companies have made English their official language.

Being comfortable in English (or at least knowing the basics) is so important in the workplace that many companies include it in their recruitment profiles. Microsoft, Nokia and Uniloq, to name just a few, all place great importance on their employees being able to speak English fluently.

If working for a multinational similar to those mentioned above is one of your professional goals, being able to speak English should be at the top of your CV.

3. The world of the internet is built around English

Research by W3Techs from August 2016 showed that 53% of the world’s most visited websites had a homepage in English. There are some variations regarding the type of English used (for example US English or UK English), but there is no denying that English is the language that reigns supreme over the world of the internet.
Nowadays, many companies operate exclusively online, so it is essential to learn English if you want to communicate, negotiate or sell effectively on the internet.

This also means that you will have access to an incredible amount of useful information for your business, such as articles about new technologies, media marketing, new trends, or even tips and advice on how to manage your team more effectively. Learn English and the internet will be yours!

4. Most major conferences and events are in English

Think about the most watched television programmes around the world: the Olympic Games, the Football World Cup, Eurovision… They all have one thing in common: they have all adopted English as their main language. This seems logical when you consider that it is the best way to reach the largest possible audience.

The same applies to international conferences. Events such as Startup Camp, CEO Space, or those organised by INSEAD are always held in English with the main objective of bringing together as many participants as possible from around the world.

It is therefore crucial that you have a good knowledge of English. Otherwise, you risk missing out on some very interesting experiences, whether for your company or for your personal career.

And you? Why do you want to learn English? How would it benefit your company or your career? Tell us in the comments!