Will Mandarin become the intercultural communication in the global workplace instead of English?
Will Mandarin replace English as the most common language for intercultural communications in the global workplace?
This is a question that has been debated many times and will continue to be debated for some time.
Studies have revealed that English is the most influential language in the world.
Despite China’s incredible growth over the past few years it appears that English, not Mandarin, will continue to be the language for international communications, why?
- English is the most used language on the Internet, well over half being in English.
- The most used computer programming languages in the world use English as the basis for writing programs.
- Because English was used in the early days of development of modern technology it has become the continuing prime language for ongoing development and is likely to remain so.
- All official communications globally for shipping and aviation are conducted in English.
According to the annual EF English Proficiency Index for companies, English is a top priority for the world’s fastest-growing markets because it’s the common language that diverse and international companies use to communicate. The necessity of speaking English in the workplace has therefore increased the number of individuals looking to showcase their English skills for potential employers.
It is apparently estimated that 1.5 billion people around the world are trying to learn English consequently online learning of English has a significant role to play.
Many companies around the world including some very well known names are choosing English as their official language and smaller companies who are looking to expand globally are encouraging their employees to learn English by providing assistance to their employees.
It is said that in China 500 million people are learning English. The English language is compulsory in the Chinese school education system.
So what is the conclusion?
Evidence seems to point to the fact that the English language will continue to be the key language for doing business globally and for ongoing technical innovation.
There is a tremendous ‘hunger’ in the world for learning English as a second language consequently the facilities for learning English online plays a significant role. It is a very convenient way to learn as you can learn at your own pace and at a time that suits you.