What is International English?

By Cindy King

English is today's lingua franca. Just as Latin was in the Middle Ages. A large number of countries speak English. But the majority of the English speakers come from non-native English speaking countries.

Just as there are many different English dialects within the native English speaking countries, there is also an unofficial International English that develops naturally when native English speakers mix with non-native English speakers.

In non-native English countries with a variety of ethnic groups, such as India or Malaysia, the English seems to take on a specific local dialect.

But in Europe businesses have evolved into what seems to be an International English. This International English cannot easily be associated with one specific country.

Picking Up An International English

In fact, after a few years European businessmen with international exposure usually pick up this International English without realizing it.

How does this happen?

Everyone has different language skill levels. These differences are greater in non-native English speakers.

Quite simply, if you want to communicate in an international environment, you need to speak to be understood. And over time, you also want to speak to be easily understood by everyone.

So guess what happens...

Smaller Vocabulary

The vocabulary you use seems to get smaller and smaller.

In some ways this might seem like you are talking to a child. Your sentences get shorter.

But, it is not quite like talking to a child. There are some subtle differences.

Easy Words For Everyone To Understand

As you become more familiar with cross-cultural communication, you learn which words to avoid because some non-native English speakers may not understand them immediate.

And you learn to use the words everyone usually understands. With experience you know the frustrations other cultures have with the English language.

As a copywriter I write with simple high-school level English. The verb "get" is simple enough.

But as a cross-cultural marketer I know how little verbs like "get" can slow down comprehension for many non-native English speakers. Only a very skilled English speaker understands these immediately: "get to", "get from", "get over", "get under", "get through", "get by", "get going".

Explanations

You also learn to explain things more.

You learn to know when different cultures will have difficulties grasping certain concepts.

Clarity Throughout Your Communication

You learn to speak with clarity.

Sensitivity To Different Cultures

And finally, with experience, you also learn how to speak in a polite way to different cultures. This is the hardest part to learn.

Different cultures have different ways of being polite and expressing politeness. There are some differences in politeness within the native-English speaking countries. There are more differences in other cultures.

Global Communication

Look at the characteristics of International English above.

• Do you have a website targeting a global market?
  
  
• Is it in English?
  
  
• How does your English match with International English?

Would you like an analysis of your website?

• To see what you need to improve your communication with a wide international audience?

Are you committed to speeding up your international sales cycles? Learn how to combine cross-cultural marketing tools and international sales strategies for faster sales. Join us on the International Sales Road Map. Would you like to develop your international business? Are you a beginner at international sales and marketing? Read the Beginners Guide Discover Your International Business. Cindy King is a Cross-Cultural eMarketer & International Sales Specialist, aligning businesses with different cultures. She has over 25 years field experience in international business development and helps mid-sized business owners create international business development strategies that shorten time to profitability.