Business English vs Literary English

Since we are living in a word where everything and every concept

have been expanded, including the spheres of languages, it is useful
to know the difference between business English and literary English.
Earlier, if somebody said ‘I am learning English’ it may have simply
meant that the person was learning English language irrespective of
any notion of sub-category. However, the situation is different today.
Now people say, ‘I am following a business English course,’ ‘How
about we see to your literary English lessons,’ it does not mean that
the speaker is referring to English language at a general context.
Apparently, the speaker is referring to some category of English
language which is specifically defined. Thus, terms like Business
English and Literary English fall under English for Specific Purposes.
This article aims to bring out what Business English and Literary
English mean and highlight the differences between the business
English and literary English.

What is Business English?

Business English primarily refers to the English language associated
with international business, but it may not be confined to the
international level. It simply means English language used in the
context of business. Due to the significant weight placed upon the
accuracy and appropriateness of English language used in trade,
business English has now become a separate specialism in English,
which is taught and learnt at a large context. It encompasses areas of
study such as vocabulary related to business, communication skills
needed for effective communication with your business partners and
at workplace, language and skills needed for socializing,
networking, meetings, presentations, report writing, email etiquette,
telephone etiquette, discourse, etc. Due to the significant study areas,
business English is now taught to many college/university students
who aspire to enter the world or work.
What is Literary English?
Literary English is a register of English used for literary writing or
literary criticism and analysis on a literary work. In the ancient times,
literary English was often placed at an elevated position clearly distinct
from the colloquial English , but at modern times, there is not much of
a difference between the literary and colloquial versions of English.
Since Literary English is different from the conversational English, it
may require a slight additional effort to understand it. The language is
rich with many literary devices such as similes, metaphors, paradoxes,
ironies, sarcasm, and many more.

What is the difference between Business

English and Literary English?
• Business English is a formal register and literary English is even
more formal.

• Business English is used to communicate effectively in the business

world where literary English is used to write a literary work.

• Business English is free from ironies and ambiguities as it is

designed for effective communication while literary English is quite
rich with ironies and ambiguities.

• Business English is precise and succinct while literacy English is

rather indirect and descriptive.

• Business English focuses on both written and spoken purposes

while literary English only appears in written form.
• Literary English uses a high level of grammar while business English
is more focused on discourse: correct and comprehensive grammar,
appropriate tone, etc.

Reviewing these differences, it is obvious that business English and

literary English differ from each other in their functions, structures and
backgrounds used.