Abstract:

The aim of the paper is to present the basic business formulae that need to be incorporated in courses of English for business communication. First, the paper gives a definition of formulaic expressions and a short introduction to language formulae and their role in language. Then, it classifies the most common business formulae into three broad categories: (1) formally organized most popular collocations, (2) multi-word fixed phrases, and (3) common metaphors grouped according to the underlying concepts.
It is particularly important to focus language instruction on these fixed expressions that occur most frequently in real-life business communication. “The logic for instruction is simple: these items have the highest utility and should therefore be taught first” (Ellis et al. 2008: 391). Although key business terminology is crucial in any business English course, it needs to be stressed that this is just one part of the process of teaching vocabulary. Nowadays teaching only words in isolation is no longer acceptable. Most teachers understand the role of collocations, fixed and semi-fixed phrases and metaphoric language in all ESP courses. The language of business communication is abundant in formulaic expressions and this fact needs to be considered when designing course-books, supplementary materials and course syllabi, especially for intermediate and advanced adult learners who want to learn the real language of business and to speak naturally and fluently. Learning the high frequency formulaic expressions they will certainly improve their linguistic and communicative competence to a great extent.

Keywords:

Formulaic language, ESP, business English.