In what seems to be a new trend in global communications, the Bridgestone tire company, based in Japan, has publicly announced that it has assigned English as their official language. What does this mean for the global economy and what will it mean for other large, Japanese and Asian companies? The trend tells us it means other corporate entities abroad will be following suit, and a whole new emphasis will be placed on English pronunciation coaching for Japanese and other foreign employees.
Bridgestone is at least the third Japanese company to make a declaration of “English as official language” since the start of 2013. As the year comes to the close, it has become obvious that for Japanese and other Asian personnel entering the executive level workforce, learning to pronounce English correctly is more important now than ever.
Japanese children, by and large, are taught English in Japanese schools, but the issue of correct pronunciation in English is not highly emphasized—the primary concerns are being able to read and write in English.
For many years, American companies have made extra special efforts to make Japanese and Chinese high-level executives feel comfortable during conferences, presentations, and board meetings. While the trend of inclusiveness will likely continue, the use of translators will diminish as the Japanese economy, culture, and large corporations put the pressure on to learn to speak English like an American.
English is the global business language whether this is our preference or not. It’s important to include the practice of spoken English pronunciation and accent reduction in English as we enter the global workforce—and before we encounter issues of being misunderstood.
Confidence is key in business transactions. Without self-assurance and poise, we become visibly vulnerable to those we are transacting with in meetings, presentations, and other important business dealings. Reducing a thick foreign accent isn’t just something that helps improve communication for Japanese workers and executives—it’s an imperative that means the difference between working at the top and being passed over for the big opportunities.
