Did you know that 25% of companies require their employees to interact with people from other countries? According to Reuters magazine, English is a default tool for business. Economic, historical, technological and socio-cultural issues have made English the language of business.
This language has emerged as the common language that connects people from different cultures, backgrounds and linguistic contexts. As a result, 1.4 billion people speak this language worldwide.
But what are the reasons for English being the international language of business?
1. The legacy of the British Empire
One of the main historical reasons why English has become the international language of business is its expansion during the time of the British Empire. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the British Empire controlled vast territories in Africa, Asia, Europe and America.
During this period, English became the language of administration and commerce in many of the colonies, allowing trade connections to be established between distant regions of the world.
2. The influence of the United States
Another key factor that has driven the importance of English in business is the economic and political rise of the United States in the 20th century.
After World War II, the United States consolidated its position as a global superpower, both in military and economic terms.
Due to the emergence of multinational companies, such as Coca-Cola, Microsoft and Apple, English became the language of choice for business transactions and international relations. By 2021, the U.S. had more than 8 million business enterprises, according to the Statista platform.
3. The role of English in technologies and innovation.
The rise of technology and innovation has been another key factor in the consolidation of English as a global language. As technology advances and the digital economy expands, technology companies, mostly located in English-speaking countries, have led the way in creating new platforms, applications and solutions for the business world.
Technology giants such as Microsoft, Apple, Google, Facebook and Amazon not only dominate the global market, but their products and services have established English as the predominant language in the digital sphere.
It is also the most common language for transactions, virtual meetings and presentations. International conferences, webinars and global business forums are often held in English, and it is often the language of choice in business negotiations between companies from different countries.
4. Business education and academic resources
English also plays a key role in academia and is the official language for global business. The world’s leading universities and business schools, many of them in English-speaking countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, offer advanced training programs in English.
Institutions such as Harvard University, Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the London Business School have an enormous influence on global business education, and their curricula and other graduate degrees are taught almost exclusively in English.
In fact, according to the 2024 QS World University Rankings, 4 of the top 5 universities in the world are in the US and the remaining one is in the UK.
This means that business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals from around the world must be fluent in English to access the best educational opportunities. In addition, business-related academic resources such as books, research articles, case studies and conferences are often written in English. This makes the language indispensable for professionals.
5. The need for a common language
Globalization has facilitated the creation of interconnected markets, where companies need to interact with customers, suppliers, partners and employees around the world. In order to operate in international markets, companies must adopt a common language to overcome language barriers and facilitate negotiations and transactions: English.
In international business, the use of English facilitates communication between companies from different countries, regardless of their native language. Business contracts, legal agreements, financial reports and other key documents are drafted and signed in English, ensuring clarity and transparency in business relationships.
In addition, according to the Center for Intercultural Dialogue, English has been adopted as a lingua franca in key sectors such as aviation, science and medicine, reinforcing its role as the global language of business.
6. Corporate culture
The business culture of Anglo-Saxon countries, especially the United States, has had a significant influence on the way business is conducted around the world.
The work style, management practices, decision-making and the way in which companies are structured in these countries, focused on innovation, flexibility and dynamism, have served as a model for many other nations. In addition, companies of Anglo-Saxon origin have been pioneers in the development of new business models, such as technology companies, startups and investment funds.
As a result, English has become the language of reference for professionals seeking to operate within this globalized work system.
Learn English, the language of business
English has established itself as the international language of business thanks to a combination of historical, economic, technological and socio-cultural factors. In an increasingly globalized business environment, mastering English is not only a competitive advantage, but a necessity for professionals seeking to thrive in the international arena and not be left behind with the advances required by the world and business.
