Free language! Why we should promote de-Englishization, transdisciplinary linguistic tolerance and greater stylistic freedom, and why we should do so in international business particularly
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15539100 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Arjen Van Witteloostuijn (Antwerp Management School, corresponding author), Nachoem M Wijnberg (0000-0001-8070-8719, University of Johannesburg) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-21 |
| Publication date | 2026-02-28 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Critical Perspectives on International Business (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1742-2043 • E-ISSN: 1758-6062 |
| Publisher | Emerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1108/cpoib-11-2025-0253 |
| OpenAlex | W7132852230 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 67 |
Purpose This study aims to stimulate a dialogue regarding the boring and voiceless language that is supposed to be used across the social sciences, including International Business (IB). Design/methodology/approach This is an essay arguing in favor of changing language use. Findings Freeing thought requires freeing language. Moreover, given the intrinsic multilingual character of IB, this is a particularly pressing issue in IB. Originality/value The plea to free language in order to enact literary and other styles of writing to better capture complex reality and unleash creativity, including poetry, is novel in IB
Applied linguistics · Character (mathematics · International business · International language · Order (exchange · Plea · Social dialogue · International Student and Expatriate Challenges · Multilingual Education and Policy · Second Language Learning and Teaching
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| Highly cited | No |
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