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Language Matters in Global Communication

Article Based on ORA Lecture, October 2006

Helsinki School of Economics, Finland, Mirjaliisa.Charles{at}hse.fi

In the past few decades, it has become widely accepted that the lingua franca of international business is English; witness the way companies increasingly choose English as their official corporate language. Although this would seem to facilitate communication, this article argues that the choice of language(s) used is a delicate issue, highlighting the complexities of any split into native/nonnative speakers, and thus requiring considerable people management skills. This article discusses research from the Helsinki School of Economics on language and communication in multinational corporations based in non-English speaking countries. It suggests a reconceptualization of English lingua franca as business English lingua franca (BELF), and argues that BELF is a mostly oral language through which power is wielded in multinationals, and perceptions of self and others created. Moreover, it is not a "cultureless" language, but rather creates new operational cultures. Language choice thus has implications for management, HR, and employee satisfaction.

Key Words: lingua franca • business communication • globalization • language • multinational corporations

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