<p>My son works for a firm overseas. Part of his job has been proofing proposals and correspondence this firm sends to English speaking clients. His boss has been surprised by the number of errors apparently being made and asked our son if he knows of a book that might help. For example, the firm might say “achieved x employees” rather than “reached x employees” or use “got” instead of “have.” I pulled out my various books on writing (The Only Grammar Book You’ll Ever Need, How to Write, Guide to Good Writing, Strunk and White, Eats Shoots & Leaves) and will see if any look appropriate. I know cc has a number of international posters. Are they any favorite books that provide guidance for business writing, perhaps specifically geared toward non-native English speakers?</p>
<p>These people need specific ESL for Business materials. The writing books you’ve listed are designed for native speakers. Your son should contact the language schools where he is located, and find out whether they have teachers specialized in business vocabulary and business writing. I work for Berlitz [Berlitz</a> Home](<a href=“http://www.berlitz.com/]Berlitz”>http://www.berlitz.com/) , and know that the company has offices in many cities around the world. There also are other companies that provide similar language services, often run by long-term US expats. A good teacher should be able to evaluate the needs of the company and suggest ways to improve the skills that are most necessary. For example, they may have the grammar down, but not have specific vocabulary or idioms.</p>
<p>If there aren’t any specialists (or the company quickly figures out that they aren’t up to the standard that it requires), your son could contact the ESL program at his old university and ask the department to recommend specific materials. Nearer to your home, you could start at at local community college or adult education organization that offers ESL programs.</p>
<p>On the web, about dot com has a whole section on ESL for business: [Adult</a> Education English for Business - ESL EFL ESP English for Special Purposes](<a href=“http://esl.about.com/od/englishforbusinesswork/English_for_Business_Work_and_other_Special_Purposes.htm]Adult”>English for Business and Work)</p>
<p>Some acronyms you may come across in your research:
ESL = English as a Second Language (taught in an English-speaking city or country)
EFL = English as a Foreign Language (taught in a non-English-speaking city or country)
ESP = English for Special Purposes (English for a specific work environment rather than a more generalized course)
EIL = English as an International Language (English for speakers of language A who need to communicate with speakers of language B, C, or D)
TOEIC = Test of English for International Communication [TOEIC:</a> Test of English for International Communication](<a href=“http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuitem.fab2360b1645a1de9b3a0779f1751509/?vgnextoid=06cfd898c84f4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD]TOEIC:”>http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuitem.fab2360b1645a1de9b3a0779f1751509/?vgnextoid=06cfd898c84f4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD)</p>
<p>I haven’t worked enough with English for business to be able to recommend any specific materials. I will email a couple of colleagues and ask for their suggestions. A quick search for “business ESL” at Amazon might give you some ideas too.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you so much. That is just the sort of information I need. I had a feeling that the books on my shelf wouldn’t be right. I will go through those links and pass them on to my son as well. </p>
<p>I went to Barnes and Noble today and had fun browsing. I picked up a book called MBA Fundamentals: Business Writing by Timothy Flood that looked interesting. I also bought a new copy of Strunk and White and the Grammar Book. I think my son could benefit from all three even if they aren’t necessarily the right reference books for his firm.</p>