Research Notes

Comprehensive Survey of Requisites and Trends of Language
Training in the COVID-19 Era
KANNARI Taro

YAMAZAKI Atsuko

OTC Inc.

Digital Hollywood University, Graduate School,
Specially Appointed Professor

This study examined the evolving need for language instruction in the commercial sector during the global
pandemic. Having surveyed over 300 Japanese professionals, we discovered that 72.6% used AI/Web services
to improve their language skills and 74.5% reported a significant decline in linguistic challenges. Notably, 60% of
the respondents were satisfied with their current corporate language programs, but the majority expressed a desireto expand the programs for specific business-related language skills in their organizations. The results indicateda variation in the perceived importance of language training in specific skills based on age group. This finding
highlighted the necessity of tailoring training programs to the specific skills required by different age groups, rather
than offering generic training programs based solely on proficiency levels. This finding also emphasized the increasing
significance of AI in language services and the critical need for advanced English communication skills in thebusiness sector.

1. Introduction

2. The purpose and hypothesis of this study
2-1. Purpose

The global pandemic has deeply affected work patterns
and business communication. Traditionally, expatriates took

Considering the pandemic’s impact on work methodologies

time to build trusting relationships with their counterparts

and the swift integration of communication tools, this study

and functioned as hubs to bridge the gap between theiraims to reassess language training methodologies in line withdomestic teams and overseas offices. For many companies,changes in business efficiency and linguistic interactions.

the number of visits and the time spent on entertainment2-2. Hypothesis

are considered important. However, business cannot besuspended because of travel restrictions or difficulties

AI and Web services offer limited assistance for global

with face-to-face communication due to the pandemic.

assignments. Nonetheless, technological solutions that

The Japanese government's endorsement of remote work,

address specific shortcomings will further propel business.

bolstered by subsidies, has prompted companies to invest

Underlying language training demands differ among age

in online meeting technologies [1] . Previously, only a few

demographics, and customizing training modules based on

employees had engaged in international projects. Currently,age can amplify cost benefits.

even new employees engage in remote meetings with global
colleagues and clients [2]. This has shifted communication

2-3. Method

to digital platforms such as online meetings and email.

We conducted an online survey from September 30, 2021 toThis transition led to and necessitated the distribution of

October 8, 2021, using a questionnaire consisting of 20

agendas and documents beforehand, thereby facilitating lucid

questions to validate the hypotheses of this study. We reachedcommunication. This transition challenges the earlier notions

54,149 people based on the following three conditions:that, by working on-site, language barriers would naturally(1) they worked for companies or organizations with overdissipate, and that showing Japanese hospitality and pairing

300 personnel; (2) they worked remotely; and (3) they had

communication with entertainment would be adequate.

knowledge of overseas work activities in their workplace. In
total, 8,734 respondents qualified for the survey.

For businesses with vast international operations, ceasing

To avoid

operations due to the pandemic is not workable. Although

age and gender bias, we set equal numbers of age groups in

hiring interpreters is not feasible for all companies, firms arewhich the genders were equally distributed. Those aged 18

adjusting by recruiting multilingual personnel and using AI

to 19 years and over 50 years were eliminated because theand automated translation solutions [3] . This study delves

gender distribution differs from other age groups. As a result, a

into the changing language training requirements during thegroup of 355 respondents was selected by dividing them into

COVID-19 pandemic, the equilibrium between personal andeight age groups ranging from 20 to 50 years old in 5-year

group sessions, and the efficacy of language assistance tools,increments. This study included 351 valid respondents.

including AI.

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3. Results and analysis

3-2. Evolution of Business Operations and Hurdles
A 2019 IIBC poll revealed that 61% of the TOEIC

3-1. Shifts in International Business Practices Owingexam participants employed English when collaborating

to Remote Work Integration

on international projects. This percentage is projected toThe escalation of remote work has intensified English
interaction in global ventures. According to our survey,

be 38.8% in the next three years [5] . The impact of themore than 62.7% of enterprises have integrated online

pandemic has accelerated the transition to more frequentconferencing tools for international interaction. Major

online negotiations, agreements, presentations, and email

corporations, particularly those with high headcounts andcommunications. However, challenges persist in speaking andlarge staff, have incorporated online conference solutions tocomprehension (See Figure 3).

counteract business interruptions (See Figure 1).

Figure 3. Difficulties found in online meetings.
Figure 1：Trends in communicating with overseas
following the pandemic

While online conference tools can transcribe discussions,
meeting participants often misinterpret non-native English.
This situation emphasizes the need for training in initial

The swift adoption rate of virtual meeting platforms, such aslistening and comprehension skills (See Figure 4).

Microsoft Teams and Zoom, indicates this trend. The broad
acceptance of these instruments has transformed businessdiscussions and infiltrated domains such as education [4] .
What changes have led to the expansion of remote work inoperations? As shown in Figure 2, the number of tasks related
to meetings increased, including online meetings (65.2%),
responding to e-mails (56.8%), and writing reports (53.8%).
This confirms that, even during the period when overseas
travel was restricted, respondents continued to perform
international business tasks (See Figure 2).

Figure 4.1 Most respondents wanted corporate language
training programs,
A c c o r d i n g t o t h e s u r v e y r e s u l t s, “ B u s i n e s s E n g l i s hConversation”ranked first overall, with 62.1% of respondents
wanting to see it added to training programs within theirorganizations. The second was “Presentations" at 50.5%,
and third was“Negotiation”at 40%. The difference between
the first- and third-place items was approximately 22%.
With the increase in participation in online meetings, there
Figure 2. Changes in the need to perform specificinternational business tasks.

is a high demand for programs related to skills, such aspresentations and meetings, which are directly related towork. Interestingly, many companies had been offering theIn many cases, owing to rapid changes, it is not possible

above programs before the pandemic, but this survey item lists

to develop language skills over time. To accomplish this,the programs that they would like to see in addition to theirchanges in thinking and methods are required. For example,existing curricula.

by changing from an individual-based system to a teambased system, we can reduce individual workload while
creating results through collaboration. By making the best useof available tools and resources, respondents were able toovercome these difficulties.

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Figure.4.2 Most respondents wanted corporate language
training programs organized by age group.
Figure 5. Utility of AI and web-based language assistancein reducing language barriers at work

As Figure 4.2 shows, there is strong demand for business
English across all age groups, while other skills such

Responses to the survey highlighted specific difficulties in

as facilitation, debate, technical guidance, and projecttranslating specialized terms, with 78 respondents expressing

dissemination were dominant only for certain age groups.

this concern. The comments indicated a deficiency in

Reflecting on active participation in online business activities

vocabulary related to industry-specific, legal, and association

for those aged 20 to 29, results showed interest in writing

terms. The accuracy of the translation remains a significant

emails, taking minutes, and negotiating Business English.

issue, with a notable demand for tools that can capture andNew employees and those in the early stages of theirrepresent nuances, particularly in Japan.

business careers in business typically take CEFR-based

As we reviewed the responses, it became apparent that

Business English training programs that focus on situationalan overreliance on literal translations has resulted in thebusiness communication in general. However, they often findmistranslation of industrial jargon and technical terms,

themselves regularly arranging online meetings with agendas

with consistent feedback suggesting a lack of contextual

and minutes attached to emails as well.

understanding of the tool. There is a need for the tool to be

Those in middle management, aged between 30 andmore human-like in its understanding and interpretation of40, aim to acquire Business English as their primary skill.

content, especially in negotiations and with colloquial terms.

However, their responses also show a competitive demand forSome users reported the tool taking liberties with translations

presentation and meeting skills over Business English. Middle

withoutmanagers require practical Business English skills, such as thetheir command, leading to unintended translations.

The survey results also indicated that 40% of respondents

ability to engage in complex and lengthy discussions that buildused free translation tools, suggesting room for improvementon their knowledge of human resources and management.

if more specialized or paid tools are used. However, further

This indicates that a simple scene-by-scene study like a

improvements in translation accuracy are still expected, as

traditional coursebook would be insufficient. Therefore, thehighlighted (See Figure 6).

language education programs that are now being sought after
are those that focus on skills for analyzing issues encounteredin modern work situations, accurately interpreting messages,
and sending messages that effectively communicate thelearners’intentions.
Based on the available data, it can be inferred that theexisting business English courses are effective in teachingfundamental language skills in professional settings. However,to further enhance the practicality of the learners' experience,
it is crucial to explore the most effective methods of cateringto their needs and preferences.

3-3. AI/Web Services Utilization
Figure 6. Preferences for AI and web-based automation
tools on the job/at work

Advanced linguistic competencies are crucial in digital
discourse. To mitigate language proficiency deficiencies,
72.6% resorted to AI or Internet-based language aids, with

While these tools are appreciated for their current

74.5% confirming a decline in language obstructions (Seefunctionality, there is considerable scope for improvement,

Figure 5).

especially in terms of specialized terminology and nuance.
Addressing these areas will greatly benefit users and enhancetheir experience. Thus, it is imperative to remember that, forthe foreseeable future, human beings must evaluate and refine
the output of AI based on their respective expertise.

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4. Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a paradigm
shift in business operations and heightened the demand forindustry-specific language proficiency. Our research indicatesthat Japanese professionals are increasingly utilizing artificial
intelligence (AI) and web-based language tools to enhancetheir communication skills. As AI linguistic models advance andspecialized vocabulary expands, their commercial utilization
will become more widespread. Therefore, customized business
English training that is tailored to the age and proficiency
levels of individuals is crucial. Specifically, individuals in theirtwenties may benefit from training in email communicationand minute-taking, while those in their thirties may focus onpresentations and negotiations. Proper customization basedon needs analysis can lead to increased cost efficiency for
language training and better business outcomes.
Furthermore, as the role of AI in global communication
continues to expand, it is increasingly critical to understandcultural nuances and value intercultural communicative
expertise. While AI can assist in overcoming linguistic barriers,
individuals must also rely on their intellect and specializedbusiness communication knowledge to avoid an over-relianceon AI.

Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Mr. Edward Tanksley (OTC Inc.)and Mr.Ryan Van de Kamp (OTC Inc.) for the reviews andsuggestions on an earlier version of this study report.
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official_data/lr/katsuyo_2019/pdf/katsuyo_2019_corpo.pdf©︎2023 Digital Hollywood University

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