By Sher Ali Imtiaz, Lecturer in Business, FSB Digbeth
“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” – Rita Mae Brown
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, language is not just a tool for communication; it is a key to unlocking business opportunities and gaining a competitive edge. For learners of English as a Second Language (ESL), this ability to communicate in English opens up vast global markets and allows them to thrive in an increasingly multilingual business environment.
At Fairfield School of Business, we understand the importance of equipping our learners with the skills they need to excel in a global market. As a business school, we support learners through tailored programs that enhance their language proficiency and offer the resources necessary for navigating international business challenges. But how exactly can ESL learners use their language skills to gain a competitive edge in business? Let’s explore how being bilingual or multilingual can benefit learners in key business areas.
The Business Benefits of Being Bilingual or Multilingual
Being bilingual or multilingual is no longer just a personal asset; it is a strategic business advantage. According to a report from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), bilingual employees are in high demand across industries due to their ability to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps. Studies show that bilingual employees earn an average of 5-20% more per hour than their monolingual counterparts (Forbes, 2020).
For ESL learners, language proficiency does more than just open the door to new job opportunities; it can be a game changer in the global business arena. Here’s how:
- Marketing: Connecting with a Global Audience
In the business world, knowing how to effectively market products or services to a global audience is crucial. Companies are increasingly looking for marketers who can speak to customers in their own language. For example, marketing campaigns that are tailored to specific cultural contexts or that use native language terms resonate better with international consumers. ESL learners who speak multiple languages can easily adapt marketing strategies to target different demographics and build stronger, more authentic connections with customers.
Effective communication in a customer’s native language builds trust. According to Common Sense Advisory (CSA Research), 75% of consumers are more likely to purchase a product if the information is provided in their native language, highlighting the value of language skills in marketing.
- International Trade: Facilitating Global Business Deals
In international trade, language proficiency is an invaluable tool for negotiating contracts, communicating with overseas partners, and expanding business operations globally. ESL learners who can speak the language of the target market are more likely to understand cultural nuances, avoid miscommunications, and build stronger relationships with international clients. Being able to converse in the language of your business partners fosters trust and respect, which are crucial for long-term business success.
Furthermore, knowledge of more than one language allows learners to participate in negotiations with greater confidence, understanding both the verbal and non-verbal aspects of communication, which is key in global trade.
- Customer Relations: Enhancing Client Communication
In a world where customer satisfaction is paramount, companies are eager to employ staff who can communicate effectively with clients across borders. Language skills allow ESL learners to offer more personalized and effective customer support. Whether it’s answering inquiries, resolving complaints, or offering tailored solutions, being able to speak to customers in their native language can significantly improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Multilingual customer service teams are more effective at handling a diverse client base, which is crucial as businesses expand into new markets. In fact, a Harvard Business Review article found that companies with multilingual customer support teams see a 30% higher customer retention rate compared to those without.
The Future of Business Belongs to the Multilingual
In conclusion, as businesses continue to expand globally, the ability to communicate in multiple languages is increasingly becoming a non-negotiable skill. ESL learners have the potential to stand out in the global business landscape by leveraging their language skills in areas like marketing, international trade, and customer relations.
At Fairfield School of Business, we are committed to supporting our learners in mastering the business of language. We believe that language proficiency is more than just a tool – it is a bridge to success in the global business world. Whether you’re negotiating deals or building relationships with international clients, language is the key to unlocking new opportunities.
How Fairfield School of Business supports learners in mastering the business language:
Industry Connections and Networking
At Fairfield School of Business (FSB), we recognize that hands-on experience is crucial for building a successful career. That’s why FSB provides a variety of opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals, such as job fairs and networking events. These events not only allow students to put their language skills to work in real-world settings but also help them gain a competitive edge when entering the job market. Job fairs, in particular, give students the chance to meet potential employers and professionals from different industries, providing them with valuable insights and career connections. Whether it’s interacting with business leaders or collaborating on projects, FSB ensures that students can apply and enhance their language skills in global business environments.
Tailored Language Support and Workshops
FSB is dedicated to supporting students as they develop their language skills, both inside and outside the classroom. We have a team of English academic tutors who work closely with academic support staff to offer specialized workshops aimed at improving students’ business language skills. These workshops focus on a variety of areas, including writing, speaking, and comprehension, all tailored to a business context.
The tutors are equipped to address the specific language needs of business students, helping them build confidence in both academic and professional communication. Additionally, our lecturers receive ongoing training to better incorporate business English into their courses. Through various teaching methods like MFP (Meaning, Form, and Pronunciation), drilling, role-playing, and task-based learning, FSB ensures that students not only gain proficiency in business terminology but also feel confident applying it in real-world situations, such as presentations, negotiations, and professional writing.
Diverse Staff and Global Support
I’m proud to be part of a team at FSB that brings diverse backgrounds and experiences to our work. The faculty and staff here come from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds, which creates a rich and inclusive learning environment for students from all over the world. This diversity helps us provide tailored support that meets the unique linguistic and cultural needs of our students. With our team’s expertise in both business practices and language, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate the global business landscape effectively.
References
Brown, R.M., 1989. Venus Envy. New York: Bantam Books.
Common Sense Advisory (CSA Research), 2020. Can’t Read, Won’t Buy: The Influence of Language on Purchasing Decisions. [online] Available at: https://csa-research.com/ [Accessed 16 February 2025].
Forbes, 2020. The Business Case for Bilingual Employees. [online] Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2020/02/14/the-business-case-for-bilingual-employees/ [Accessed 19 February 2025].
Harvard Business Review, 2018. The Benefits of Multilingual Customer Service. [online] Available at: https://hbr.org/2018/04/the-benefits-of-multilingual-customer-service [Accessed 19 February 2025].
OpenAI, 2025. A professional, modern business environment with diverse individuals communicating across languages. [image] Available at: https://openai.com [Accessed 23 February 2025].
Fairfield School of Business, 2025. FSB Croydon hosts Gatwick Jobs Fair with over 1000 jobs from over 30 employers. [online] Available at: https://fsb.ac.uk/fsb-croydon-hosts-gatwick-jobs-fair-with-over-1000-jobs-from-over-30-employers/ [Accessed 14 March 2025].
