In the era of globalization, if one were to search for the global language, English would be the undisputed number one. Right from the colonial times, when the language started spreading across boundaries, till today, English’s supremacy in communications is unmatched. English communication skills are considered vital, at times critical, regardless of the job profile.
Not surprising then that India too has taken to English and stands today as one of the largest English speaking countries in the world. English serves as an effective communication interface to generate several commercial benefits for India. The neutral nature of the Indian English accent enables Indians to communicate well with people from different countries. From art & entertainment to business/knowledge process outsourcing the English language has played a crucial role in India’s global status. English communication skills are essential in the professional world. Depending upon the nature of the industry the extent of dependence on these would vary. Typically the following would be attributed as good English communication skills:
The ability to comprehend all the information provided. This information could be sought directly or through primary/secondary research. Comprehension essentially entails reading & listening skills too.
The ability to understand the problems that the customers/business associates have and to act on them. Apart from the grasping, this also takes care of articulation & effective communication.
Good English communication skills would include the ability to write, read, speak, and understand the language. The degree of proficiency required in each of them would vary according to the industry. However, on an average these would sum up the good English communication skills. While almost every business thrives on the language, certain businesses cannot sustain without good English communication skills. Listed below are the top 5 types of Indian companies which would need good English communication skills. The industry specific reasons for the same are also mentioned.
1. Companies in the Travel & Hospitality Industry
This industry is face of India for several foreign tourists who visit the country annually. Thus the need for good English communication skills is for the following reasons:
a. Interface with the global tourists – For providing technical, service and tourism related information to the foreign tourists.
b. World-class services are accompanied with the world’s most preferred language, English.
c. Fluent & consistent English communication is one of the most economical ways of indicating premium nature of service.
2. Companies in the Outsourcing/Offshoring Industry
a. Superior technical knowledge and good English skills have led India to become one of the most preferred outsourcing/offshoring destinations globally. Naturally the want of superior English communication skills can be attributed to:
b. Servicing customer needs from across different countries needs a command over the English language.
c. A grasp over the global language is mandatory when part of a global business is handled within India entirely.
3. Companies in the Media & Communications Industry
a. Known as the voice of the common man, this industry has key bearing on how India thinks and how it is perceived outside. The reasons why good English communication skills are required would thus be:
b. The public at large is influenced by the communication that they read/see/listen across popular media platforms, be it for entertainment or for information. The Media on the whole is the representation of the country to the world. Their proficiency in English is a reflection on India. Ultimately it is the business of communications.
4. Companies in the Organized Retail Industry
Still one of the sunrise sectors in India, the organized retail is one industry which is highly influenced by the developed nations. Expected level of service is world-class, and thus English takes centre stage. Key reasons for the requirement of good English communication skills are: The English language still holds a snob value in India, and is the primary language of communication amongst the elite. Good English communication skills are thus required for the brands that are talking to these elite. Their communication channels are generally organized retail platforms. The language here adds to the premium quality/exclusivity to the products/services. Even malls/shops offering commodity products and services adhere to the English language. This is regarded as a mark of sophistication in India, and perhaps also drives home a sense of pride in the speakers.
5. Companies in the Technology Industry
International synergies are important when it comes to the research of a new technology, be it in any field. Naturally good English communication skills are mandatory for the following reasons: Communication with individuals from the developed nations is critical to the technology. This is as true for the computers & electronics industry as it is for the pharmaceutical & biotech industry. Good English communication skills would put these professionals on the same communication platform as their global counterparts. The power of the English languages is tremendous. India should strategically capitalize on the same and establish its global status accordingly.
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