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Find and Fix Your Mistakes in Business English as a Foreign Language Teacher

Adrien Blair

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Published in English At Work: Find And Fix Your Mistakes In Business English As A Foreign Language (Teach Yourself)

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Effective communication in business settings is paramount for non-native speakers navigating the globalized workplace. As foreign language teachers, it is imperative that we provide our students with the linguistic tools and cultural knowledge necessary to excel in these interactions. One crucial aspect of this process is the identification and correction of common errors in business English.

English at Work: Find and Fix your Mistakes in Business English as a Foreign Language (Teach Yourself)

by Ellen Jovin

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1384 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	296 pages

This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of error correction in business English, arming foreign language teachers with the expertise to effectively address these mistakes. Through a thorough examination of typical errors in grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural nuances, teachers will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by their students.

Common Grammatical Errors and Their Solutions

Syntax and Structure

Incorrect: I am working since 10 years in this company.
Correct: I have been working for 10 years in this company.
Incorrect: Please send me the report until tomorrow.
Correct: Please send me the report by tomorrow.

Tenses and Verb Forms

Incorrect: I will send the email as soon as I will finish my work.
Correct: I will send the email as soon as I finish my work.
Incorrect: He has been living in London for 5 years.
Correct: He has lived in London for 5 years.

Articles and Prepositions

Incorrect: I need a help with this project.
Correct: I need help with this project.
Incorrect: I am going to the meeting in 2 pm.
Correct: I am going to the meeting at 2 pm.

Vocabulary-Related Errors and Improvement Strategies

Business Terminology

Incorrect: I need to make a quotation for this customer.
Correct: I need to prepare a quotation for this customer.
Incorrect: We had a very productive negotiation.
Correct: We had a very fruitful negotiation.

Collocations and Idioms

Incorrect: I have took a decision.
Correct: I have made a decision.
Incorrect: We need to brainstorm about this issue.
Correct: We need to have a brainstorming session about this issue.

Using Dictionaries and Resources

Encourage students to consult business-specific dictionaries and online resources.
Provide contextual examples and explanations to enhance understanding of business vocabulary.

Pronunciation and Cultural Considerations

Pronunciation Challenges

Incorrect: Pro-ject (instead of Prah-ject)
Incorrect: Busi-ness (instead of Biz-ness)

Cultural Nuances

Incorrect: I will call you as soon as possible.
Correct: I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Incorrect: I think it is a good idea to have a meeting.
Correct: I would like to suggest that we have a meeting.

Exposure to Native Speakers

Invite native English speakers to guest lecture or participate in discussions.
Encourage students to engage with English-language media and materials.

By equipping foreign language teachers with the knowledge and strategies outlined in this guide, we empower them to effectively identify and rectify errors in business English. This, in turn, enables their students to communicate with confidence and professionalism in international business settings. Embracing these error correction techniques not only enhances linguistic accuracy but also fosters cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural communication skills.

Remember, language learning is a continuous journey, and error correction is an integral part of that process. By embracing a positive and supportive approach, foreign language teachers can create a learning environment that encourages students to embrace their mistakes as opportunities for growth and improvement. Ultimately, our goal is to equip our students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of business communication and succeed in the global marketplace.

English at Work: Find and Fix your Mistakes in Business English as a Foreign Language (Teach Yourself)

by Ellen Jovin

4 out of 5