Do idioms have a place in corporate language training? A lot of people find them incredibly confusing- especially for ESL employees (who speak English as a Second Language). They may seem insignificant to native English speakers because we hear them all the time in meetings, and in casual conversation without thinking twice. Yet for ESL associates, these expressions can be confusing at best and even pose safety threats at worst. Partly because they often don't follow logic, meaning that a simple word-for-word translation won't bring any clarity.
Corporate language training & confusing workplace idioms
Let's break it down. Here are some common workplace idioms you've probably heard or even used yourself:
- "Circle back"
- "Put out fires"
- "Move the needle"
- "Give me a ballpark figure"
- "Think on your feet"
- "Take it from the top"
- "Bite the bullet"
- "Cut corners"
- "In the weeds"
To native English speakers, you might think these are just harmless phrases that can be explained. But to your employees who need to learn English for work, they are baffling. Even worse, they could be interpreted literally. For example:
- Telling a construction worker to "cut corners" could lead to expensive materials being wasted.
- Asking a chef to "put out fires" can cause panic, and overreactions
- A manager saying "take it from the top" may not realize they are meant to "start over"
These aren't just misunderstandings. And they wouldn't be your employee's fault, either. Because using this type of language often leads to missed deadlines, unsafe practices or costly reworking. The good news is they are completely preventable with the appropriate amount of language support.
Corporate language training shouldn't be generic
There are so many corporate English training programs that cover the same redundant material. Focusing on grammar and vocabulary while skipping the cultural side. Because you can't really understand what is meant by "in the weeds" without understanding the hidden meanings. Which is that the saying is rooted in the prohibition era of American history. When alcohol was banned, speakeasy owners would hide their stash of alcohol outside and have to return after night fall. Often spending hours searching every inch of the weeds. Now, we use the phrase to describe getting lost in the details, and overwhelmed with the task at hand.
Our customized English training programs are designed with your team in mind. We work with you and your leaders to identify what your curriculum actually requires. So if we notice idioms coming up just by observing the natural way people are speaking, we will address it in your curriculum. Because our focus is improving the natural language your employees hear everyday. Emphasizing practical language usage like:
- safety trainings
- protocol and procedures
- task, role, company and industry specific terminology
- relevant professional skills trainings like business writing, speaking to customers, contract writing and so much more
Why does this matter?
At the end of the day, your team doesn't need to learn English online. They need to learn business English that is applicable to their everyday jobs. Which means teaching the phrases, expressions and idioms they hear everyday. As such, investing in a customized business English training program allows your employees to feel confident. Because they can actually understand what is being said. Which means they can develop the confidence to participate and be understood as well. Thereby giving your employees the tools to communicate effectively, your entire business operation will run more smoothly.
Our interactive and engaging In-Person and Online Corporate Language Training provides English Classes for Companies online and on-site with live highly qualified native-speaking language instructors. We offer Real-Time Private and Group Corporate English Language Training. Get a Free Quote for your Industry Specific Onsite or Online Corporate English Training for employees.
