BELF-A Discursive Analysis of Business Emails

English as a Business Lingua Franca (BELF)

• Definition: BELF refers to the use of English as a common language among business professionals who come from different linguacultural backgrounds, specifically in written and spoken contexts.

• As a sub-category of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF), BELF is characterized by its practical use in international business.

• Research Gap: While previous studies focused on BELF spoken discourse, less attention has been given to BELF written discourse, especially in e-mail communication.

Context for Study

• The study involved analyzing 92 e-mail messages from Bangladeshi business personnel in the ready-made garments (RMG) sector.

• Participants included non-native and native English speakers in business contexts.

• Investigated stylistic and structural features of e-mail communication among professionals used in global settings.

Findings

• Style and Structure:

  • E-mails displayed a personalized, flexible, and informal tone, leaning toward spoken ELF rather than formal written English.

  • Language features unique to this genre highlight its technology-based nature.

• Common Features Identified:

  • Use of direct language, informal salutations, and quick exchange of information.

  • E-mails often do not maintain a formal structure typical of standard business letters, favoring expediency and simplicity in communication.

Salutations in Business E-Mails

• Types of Salutations:

• Formal: e.g., "Dear Mr. [Name]"

• Informal: e.g., "Hi [Name]"

• Characteristics of salutations reflect the role of the sender and hierarchical relationships in the organization.

• Marketing personnel used more informal salutations due to their ownership positions, while logistical personnel tended to use formal greetings.

E-mail Subject Lines and Topics

• Subject Line Use: Generally informal and reflective of shared business context rather than strictly functional.

• Topic References: Direct communication without elaborate introductions often observed, indicating a faster and more practical approach.

Features of Spoken Discourse in E-Mails

• Integration of Spoken Language Features:

• Contains abbreviations, ellipses, and informal expressions, demonstrating a blend of spoken and written discourse.

• Characteristics show flexibility and a departure from grammatical norms, supporting the informal and colloquial style.

Meaning Negotiation and Understanding

• Effective Communication: Directness and clarity are emphasized, allowing for straightforward and easily understood messages.

• Impact of E-mail Culture: The variations reflect socio-professional dynamics in communication, affecting how information is shared and understood.

Conclusion

• The study concludes that BELF e-mail communication is marked by a hybrid form, combining features of spoken and written ELF.

• Emphasizes the practical nature of communication focused on getting the job done rather than adhering to strict grammatical rules.

• Findings provide insightful implications for business communication education, suggesting ways to prepare professionals for BELF contexts.