English is illogical, eccentric and complicated by baffling etiquette. This brilliant guide for non-native speakers decodes the accidental global tongue, finds Ben Walker
I once managed a global team. About 80% of the management problems I faced were down to misunderstandings between colleagues, and about 90% of those caused by the written word. Rarely was it bad grammar as they could recognize synonym and use it as well as they used the punctuations that led to hostility between staffers – much more often emails were grammatically correct but worded in a way that native British English speakers found impolite. One day, one of my London staff flat refused to talk to an overseas colleague until she apologized for being rude to her. The overseas staffer had simply no idea that she came across that way.
It’s darkly comic that English has become the world’s lingua franca. Not only is the tongue deeply illogical, the English obsession with politeness is so embedded in the language that even using it correctly can lead to alienation. “Native English writers and speakers can be supremely irritated by one-word or one-line messages that some non-native writers see as supremely efficient,” writes the author Fiona Talbot in Outstanding Business English. Oh how true! She warns that even addressing a recipient simply by name (Rebecca) without an accompanying salutation (Hi Rebecca) is risky. It is. English speakers are easily offended by their own language.
Talbot, an Englishwoman, clearly loves her mother tongue while being acutely aware – perhaps, endearingly, slightly proud – of its idiosyncrasies. She elegantly intertwines the fundamentals of English grammar with the complex etiquette that surrounds the language, creating an enjoyable book that entertains as much as it informs.
For all its problems, English is an extremely rich language, commanding a much larger lexicon than many of its peers. Yet because of this non-natives that are keen to impress can walk into trouble. Stick to plain, polite English, Talbot advises, avoid obscure words and clichés, and you won’t go far wrong. In fact, you might end up writing better English than the natives. Just make sure you remember Talbot’s simple rules – much of the language’s spirit and good intentions are lost in translation. Although sometimes plain language means you can reach out to move international audience. This is what online subtitle translator usually does when he works with online streaming and video translation.
When it comes to mastering a new language, books and flashcards are often the best companions. Books offer a wealth of knowledge, allowing learners to dive deep into grammar, vocabulary, and cultural context. They present a comprehensive approach to language learning, giving readers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the nuances of the language, just as Talbot does with English. Whether it’s through fiction, non-fiction, or language-specific textbooks, books provide the structure and framework needed to build a strong foundation in any language.
Flashcards, on the other hand, are a fantastic tool for reinforcing what you learn. The simplicity of this method helps you memorize key vocabulary and phrases quickly and efficiently, making it an excellent way to supplement your reading. The act of flipping through flashcards not only aids in retention but also provides the repetition necessary for long-term mastery. With the right set of flashcards, learners can review vocabulary, practice sentence structures, and gain the confidence needed to use their new language effectively.
For those serious about their language learning journey, platforms like Pinhok Language can offer a structured and methodical approach, providing both books and flashcards tailored to your specific learning goals. This combination of resources helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that learners don’t just know the language but also feel comfortable using it in everyday situations.
Outstanding Business English is out now by LID Editorial
