The Impact of English on Corporate Communication in a Non-English-Speaking Environment: Analysis of Businesses in the Czech Republic.

Agnes Dieyi, BA (Hons)

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The Impact of English on Corporate Communication in a Non-English-Speaking Environment: Analysis of Businesses in the Czech Republic. Keywords: English, Corporate Communication, Non-English-Speaking Environment, Economic Impact, Businesses. INTRODUCTION Corporate communication in a non-English speaking setting has been affected by the emergence of English as a global language in several ways. By performing a content analysis of pertinent literature, the purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the influence of English on business communication in such settings. In today's globalized world, English has become the dominant language of business and communication. Even in non-English speaking environments, English is often used as a lingua franca in corporate communication. Crystal (2003) argues that English has become a global language due to historical, political, and economic reason. The use of English in a non-English speaking environment can have both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include enhanced international communication and increased efficiency, productivity, and teamwork (Kim & Lee, 2017). On the other hand, the disadvantages include a language barrier for employees who do not speak English as their first language, leading to miscommunication and misunderstandings (Liu, 2019). Additionally, the use of English in a non-English speaking environment can create a power dynamic, where native English speakers may be perceived as having more power and influence in the workplace, affecting communication and collaboration (Piller, 2011). Rosenbaum (2016) examines the economic impact of English proficiency and suggests that it can lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries. Yoon (2018) focuses on the effects of English proficiency on international business communication and argues that it can lead to better communication and more successful business relationships. The impact of English on corporate communication in a non-English speaking environment has become an increasingly relevant topic in business and communication studies. Graddol (2006) suggests that the spread of English may lead to the decline of other languages, including local languages. This thesis paper aims to explore this impact in-depth, examining the advantages and disadvantages of using English in corporate communication in non-English speaking environments and its effects on workplace dynamics. The research will involve a qualitative research design, using semi-structured interviews with employees and managers from non-English speaking environments where English is used as a lingua franca in corporate communication. The study will identify the best practices for effective communication and collaboration in a multilingual workplace. METHODOLOGY In order to examine pertinent research on the impact of English on business communication in Businesses in the Czech Republic, this thesis will use a content analysis approach. A detailed analysis of literatures will be part of the analysis, and qualitative research in form of a questionnaires will be examined and compared. OBJECTIVE The goal of this thesis is to evaluate the impact of English on corporate communication in businesses, and the economic impact on the Czech Republic. The following queries will be examined by the thesis: How has corporate communication in Businesses in the Czech Republic been affected by English's emergence as a Global language? What is the impact of this on these businesses’ growth and the economy of the country? In what ways can translingual practice be used to enhance dialogues in these Businesses? What are the risks and benefits of using English in business interactions? The thesis will attempt to answer these questions by conducting a thorough study of pertinent literature, analysing the literature's content, as well as questionnaires and presenting results that provide insight into how English affects business communication in businesse

Abstract:

s in the Czech Republic. The thesis's final goal is to propose approaches that can enable businesses to better their interactions with non-native English speakers by enhancing their communication practices in these settings. REFERENCES Crystal, D. (2003). English as a global language. Cambridge University Press. Graddol, D. (2006). English next: Why global English may mean the end of 'English as a foreign language'. British Council. Canagarajah, S. (2013). Translingual practice: Global English’s and cosmopolitan relations. Routledge. Rosenbaum, S. (2016). The economic impact of English proficiency. Duolingo. Yoon, J. (2018). The effects of English proficiency on international business communication. Journal of Business and Technical Communication, 32(4), 423-443. Piller, I. (2011). Intercultural communication: A critical introduction. BOOK, 1, 208. 2011/04/29 - ISBN - 9780748632831 Kim, H. K., & Lee, C. W. (2021). Relationships among healthcare digitalization, social capital, and supply chain performance in the healthcare manufacturing industry. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 1417. Liu, X., & Chi, X. (2019). Analysis of the Obstacles and Countermeasures in the Educational Management Service for Minority Students in Colleges and Universities.

Keywords

English, Corporate Communication, Economic Impact, Businesses, Non English Speaking

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 4. 4. 2025

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: PhDr. Martina Jarkovská, Ph.D.
• Reader: Petra Jarkovská, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Economics and Management

Master programme:
Economics and Management