Is perfect English important? The answer is no...

Is perfect English important? Ask any language teacher and they will almost unanimously tell you that it is.

However I don't!

That is a pretty bold statement and I stand by it. Let me explain, but first let’s look at the definition of language:

Language (ˈlaŋɡwɪdʒ/):

    1. The method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way.
    2. A system of communication used by a particular country or community.

English as a language is without a doubt the "lingua franca" in international business, commerce and trade, education, science as well as international relations and tourism. As a result we have people learning "English" at a staggering rate as adults, their children, companies and even countries emphasise the importance of English as a ticket to participating in the global economy. OF COURSE THAT IS IMPORTANT! However it is exactly that evolution that has changed the landscape of what we would consider English language learning. In fact it has completely raised the bar on what English communication is all about. If we look back at our definition of language, it is defined (or confined) as spoken or written…and structured in a conventional way. That basically means grammar, vocab and syntax.

Once upon a time that would have been enough. It was acceptable to have a business meeting with a broken level of business English passing on basic ideas with well translated PowerPoint presentations and supporting information. What about for shop assistants, tourist operators or service staff? These people could get jobs by again knowing a base level of English. Now employers not only want you to be able to communicate on a basic level, they want you to execute a sale, negotiate deals, establish relationships and conduct sophisticated forms of business. Innovation and technology has even made language more complex. We must all know how to navigate the internet and without a doubt English is the language of the world wide web. Also what about networking socially, publically and privately?

So after decades of learning English and with the majority of the business community having some command of listening & comprehension, reading & vocab, speaking and pronunciation, what proportion can effectively use it? What proportion can actually manage to watch an English speaking movie without subtitles? or the news? What about feeling confident doing a presentation, sales pitch or negotiation?  Or imagine another person providing you with technical information while you struggle to understand their intonation down a phone. These hurdles exist even amongst "English speaking" countries so it is understandable how intimidating it can be for someone with English as a second, third or even fourth language.

What about cultural considerations? Doing a business meeting in Japan in English should still exhibit cultural courtesies of their culture, even when done in English.

What about pronunciation? Pronunciation can be challenging between native English speakers much less for foreigners - an Australian or South African will find people from various parts of the UK difficult to understand.

Furthermore, how much of it is actually just language?  A study undertaken by Albert Mehrabian in 1971 indicates that:

    - Words (the literal meaning) account for 7% of the overall message
    - Tone of voice accounts for 38% of the overall message
    - Body Language accounts for 55% of the overall message

If words are only 7% of meaning then why is all of the focus on vocabulary, grammar and syntax? Instead we must focus on the skilled PROJECTION OF MEANING (using the English language). I use projection as a term because there are so many forms and elements to communication, not just speaking or writing.

In addition, consider the second part of the definition of language, it refers to “It is also a system of communicating in a community”. A community does not have to be a nationality, but can be an industry, organisation or even geographic community – each with their own distinct formulation of language. This means their own words, their own communication styles and methods.

So if we just focus on words without the rest to go with it, then how can we say we can successfully communicate? If each “community” communicates differently, then how can we communicate effectively and efficiently?  What about all of these other people that are learning English as well, how can we compete with them?

Well the answer is that you need to be proficient & skilled in the PROJECTION of “meaningful communication”. What makes communication meaningful then? When language is executed for a particular purpose in an effective and efficient way.

So to conclude, I stand by my statement that perfect English is not the most important part of communication training but rather learning the skills to use it is.

If anyone thinks differently then leave a comment

Lars Mulà