For better or for worse, English is the dominant international language of business. This tends to give native English speakers an advantage when it comes to business communication. But it shouldn’t give anyone the right to be what I call an “English language bully.”
What’s an English language bully?
Someone whose use of English makes life more difficult for non-native English speakers. For instance, a manager who uses too many “inside baseball” expressions during meetings — like the expression inside baseball! Colloquial expressions and jargon may confuse someone whose primary language isn’t English. A manager who doesn’t take this into consideration is creating a barrier to communication.
Research shows that when a native English speaker enters a conversation with a group of non-native English speakers the level of understanding goes down. This isn’t only because of the use of unfamiliar words or phrases. It’s also because native English speakers tend to use complicated sentences rather than speaking in a way that’s accessible to everyone.
So, what can you, as a manager or decision maker whose primary language is English, do to make sure that you aren’t an English language bully? Ask yourself the following:
· Is everyone in the room (or the Zoom) a native English speaker? Are you truly valuing all abilities, or are you falling into a trap of assuming that because someone speaks with an accent they are not as intelligent? Just as it’s important not to discriminate based on race or gender, it’s also important not to discriminate, on the basis of language.
· Are you in the habit of using jargon or sports metaphors? Set the tone for all of your colleagues and employees by avoiding that kind of use of language. Aim for clarity of meaning. Don’t create a club of exclusivity through language differences.
I work with many business professionals whose primary language isn’t English.
Some of these professionals have a non-English accent. Some have a less extensive English vocabulary than I do. But they also have tremendous knowledge and skills. The fact that they are bilingual means in some ways these professionals have even more to offer. In the competitive world of business, that’s something everyone — whatever your primary language is — would do well to keep in mind!
Schedule a 30 Minute Complimentary Meeting to meet Sandra via phone or video. Find out if you both are a good fit to work together. Come to the call with your questions and what business communications challenges you’d like to get help with.