More and more ELT professionals are teaching business English as an increasing number of learners prepare to use English in their current or future working environments. Business English is a particular type of ESP (English for Specific Purposes). It shares with other varieties of ESP a focus on a language corpus and particular kinds of communication in specific contexts.
Business English courses tend to be based on the needs of specific groups of learners. Learners want to learn business English for instrumental reasons. Some are preparing for future jobs in which they will use English, whereas others want to learn it to improve their current job performance in dealing with particular partners or customers.
Business English focuses on the language of business that learners need in the workplace. This can take the form of:
- Everyday language which is used in social situations
- General business language which can be used in a variety of business contexts
- Context specific language used by a particular industry or profession.
The precise mix of language taught in courses will depend upon the needs of particular groups of learners.
Business English courses also focus on business communication skills, for example, making presentations, taking part in meetings, writing reports. Courses tend to give learners the vocabulary and structure to develop these skills and the chance to practise using them.
Business English teachers work in a variety of contexts. They can teach in schools, colleges or universities or they might train employees in-company. Group size can vary from one-to-one teaching to small or larger classes.
In the rest of this section you will find ways in which you can develop as a business English teacher through reading articles and books, attending workshops and courses, and joining Special Interest Groups and discussion forums.
