Page 84 - How to write effective business English your guide to excellent professional communication by Fiona Talbot

Standard or variant English? 73

in Western Europe may not have the same currency in Asian markets
and so on. Certain English-sounding words may have crept into your
usage but it doesn’t mean they are internationally recognized.
Share your findings throughout your company, to gain consen-
sus on the business English you plan to use. Flag up any words you
discover that may not have common currency.
If you have just started your career, you can impress your boss
by doing this. You can make a difference, boost your prospects and
help your organization shine.

Your checklist for action

● ● Do you communicate with a specific group of English users? Or
are you likely to be communicating worldwide?

● ● Do you identify and then use a single type of English every time
you write in English? Or do you need to vary it according to
your target audience each time?

● ● Do you set your computer spellcheck and grammar check to the
type(s) of English you use?

● ● If so, do you check that it doesn’t default to US English spelling
(unless that’s your preferred variety)?

● ● Do you regularly check that the words you use are understood
by your readers?

● ● When you don’t understand a word, be confident and ask its
meaning.
● ● Regularly feed back your findings to colleagues.