Anglicisms – which ones can and can’t you use to be an effective communicator?
Anglicisms – which ones can and can’t you use to be an effective communicator?
We’re obsessed with helping people become effective communicators. And yes I know it’s probably strange to hear a British guy (a guiri) speaking about this subject so let me explain.
In our Business English training we’re 100% obsessed with helping companies and professionals become Advanced Business English Speakers and at the heart of this professionals need to use ‘CSC Communication’ (clear, simple and concise).
So we often ask professionals about what makes someone an effective communicator in Spanish and in English.
And the answers are very similar for both with most people mentioning some part or all of ‘CSC Communication’.
When we specifically ask, “which Anglicisms help and which ones don’t help you to be an effective communicator in Spanish?”
The answer changes and we usually get “I don’t know”.
Spanish is such a rich and eloquent language that when I go to a conference or event I find it strange to hear a speech or talk full of so many Anglicisms.
And it makes me think to be an effective communicator, “what’s the right mix of marketing and communication?”
Top Tips – For Using And Not Using Anglicisms
Here are our three top tips:
1) If the Anglicism has a simple one/two word translation in Spanish and it’s well known in Spanish, then use Spanish.
E.g. for “wellness” use “bienestar”, “investment” use “inversión”. ” asset” use “activo”. “Cashflow” use “liquidez”. ” Snapshot” use “radiografía”.
2) If the Anglicism requires a sentence or a long phrase in Spanish to translate its meaning then use the anglicism as the impact is instant. However only if it’s a known term or concept in the area you’re speaking about. If not you’ll lose your audience.
E.g. Networking, Small Talk, Elevator Pitch.
3) If it’s a new business concept or term, you can use the Anglicism to introduce it and then go into detail in Spanish. Also explaining that this concept/term is already in use in other countries.
E.g. Big Data, Bitcoin.
