Business English vs General English - Is there a difference?

Question

Now we have been debating a long time about whether or not there is a difference between Business English and General English. Last week we asked our teachers to give their opinion. The feedback we got was that most of the General English and BE activities are relatively the same and that when teaching Business English we think of a certain number of words related to this are but not think about the fact that there are different umbrellas in Business English. We can start by putting Business English into different departments, Marketing, HR, Finance etc.

So I really want to know if there is a clear method of differentiating these two courses? Please share your thoughts and ideas.

Thanks,

Malali@Oxbridge

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

You have to be more specific about what you mean by "General English."

To me, it is a prerequisite for Business English. In general English, you learn the basics - the mechanics of grammar, composition, and vocabulary. You learn to distinguish informal from formal language. You learn about style guides. You read a wide variety of source materials - poetry, plays, literature, news, fiction and non-fiction. Some of the styles for practice are dialogue, essays, news reports, articles, and book reviews. You learn to edit the writing of others.

In Business English, you build upon what you learned in General English. You focus on business sitations which require clarity and logic, practicing the argumention and presentation styles that are dominant in business communications. You master a subset of vocabulary that has a high frequency of use. You learn different formats such as business letters, CVs, project proposals and marketing brochures. You can further specialize in Medical English, Legal English, and other fields that use a specific jargon.

Malali_Oxbridge · Answer

Thanks for the reply AlpheccaStars.

I should have made it clear before. In my language school we have 2 courses (General English and Business English) with General English the students are open to new language skills and Target Language and the topics can be about anything. However, in the Business Language Course we have had some difficulties in trying to make a clear distinction. We focus too much on finance (Business News - a short text and Target Language) and the business situations are getting a bit boring for our students so my question is how can we make it the course more interesting for our Business English Students?

Instead of topics related to Cvs, presentations, negotiations...etc Do you have ideas for creating activities?

Thanks

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Malali_OxbridgeWe focus too much on finance (Business News - a short text and Target Language) and the business situations are getting a bit boring for our students so my question is how can we make it the course more interesting for our Business English Students?

You did not eplain what business situations you are using, but there are lots of interesting business- related topics from which you can create activities.

1) Design a marketing campaign and advertizing materials for a newpaper.

2) Role play an applicant / hiring manager. Have students apply for a specific job with fictitious CVs (and fake names) Students also "hiring manager" and rate the CVs and choose one to be "hired." e.g. You can have half the students apply for one position e.g. "Company president" and the other half apply for a different one, e.g. "Chief Financial Officer" The ones who apply for "company president" will be the hiring manager for the CFO position, and vice versa.

3) Discuss and argue some controversial work-related topics. For example, affirmative action, paternity leave, offshoring, etc. There are a lot of issues that companies have to deal with.

4) Create a plan to expand the business develop a new product line, expand into a new line of business, take the business into a new international market.

5) Should a company pay dividends or invest its profits in research and development?

6) Should government regulate business activities? (Environment regulations, intellectual property protection, employee benefits, etc.) What areas are appropriate for regulation?

7) A company is owned by one family. It was founded 20 years ago, has been successful and grown to be quite large. Some of the family wants to take the company public, others do not. Discuss the issue of initial public offerings.

I'm sure there are lots of other business situations that can be used!

Bwwind · Answer

Thanks,I've read your message and learn from it.

Business English vs General English - Is there a difference?

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