Keywords
Abstract
In the context of globalization, English has evolved from a language of convenience into a central instrument of credibility within international finance. This study examines how English functions as an economic signal in cross-border financial communication, exploring the ways linguistic choices convey professionalism, transparency, and global orientation. A qualitative-comparative design was employed, analyzing annual reports and investor-relations documents from ten multinational corporations representing both English-speaking and non-English-speaking economies. Using critical discourse analysis and thematic coding, the study identified three recurring patterns: the standardization of English as a marker of professionalism, the use of positive evaluative language as a signal of credibility, and bilingual or hyper-formal discourse as indicators of prestige and legitimacy. The findings reveal that English serves not only as a communicative medium but also as a form of symbolic and economic capital influencing investor confidence and perceptions of corporate reliability. While the study acknowledges limitations related to sample size and scope, it offers insight into how language practices in financial communication carry both economic and semiotic power, reinforcing English as a key instrument in the global financial landscape.
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