Lexical Borrowing in Global Business English and Its Impact on Non-Native Comprehension
Keywords:
lexical borrowing, global business English, loanwords, non-native speakers, comprehension, lingua francaAbstract
This study examines lexical borrowing in global business english and its impact on non-native comprehension through a quantitative investigation of 100 non-native English speaking professionals evaluating business texts with varying levels of domain-specific borrowings (tech jargon, management loanwords, financial terminology). Grounded in World Englishes Framework (Kachru, 1985) + English as a Lingua Franca (Seidlhofer, 2011), the research investigates the linguistic mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. Comprehension decreased by 18% for every 5% increase in domain-specific borrowed terms. Silicon Valley lexical borrowings ('pivot,' 'disrupt,' 'synergy') were understood by only 42% of non-native speakers in non-tech industries. Japanese, German, and French business borrowings in English were recognized by fewer than 25% of multilingual respondents. Regression: borrowing density (Beta=-0.38), speaker's L1 proximity to English (Beta=0.26), industry familiarity (Beta=0.24) explained 40% of variance in comprehension. Glossary provision improved comprehension by 34%. The findings provide theoretical contributions and practical implications for business communication, organizational policy, and professional practice.
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