The many faces of English: intra‐language variation and its implications for international business

Abstract

Business people in the English‐speaking world tend to underrate the significance of language skills in general, and in particular, the importance of variation within the English language. This article considers the various types of English that are spoken throughtout the world and the implications for business transactions. Attention is paid to the problems that arise owing to the use of one type of English as opposed to another owing to the various forms of distortion and misunderstanding that arise. Attitudes towards different varieties of English are also considered in terms of a possible negative impact on negotiation of business dealings in general. The impact of ways of learning English is outlined and some suggestions made as to how to overcome the problems that arise through intra‐language variation in business.