Abstract
The present qualitative study aimed to investigate the role of Business English as Lingua Franca (BELF) courses in learners’ success in communication in an Iranian company. In doing so, 25 adult BELF learners were selected from an automotive parts manufacturing company in Tehran, Iran. They were the employees of a company consisting of men and women in the 30 to 45 age group who worked in different departments as bosses, middle managers, top managers, and directors. Their English proficiency levels were elementary, pre-intermediate, and intermediate. The participants took part in the interviews and answered a 20-item questionnaire. The questionnaire mainly focused on using English in the workplace. The interviews primarily focused on eliciting the respondents’ views regarding the benefits of using English at the workplace. The interviews and respondents’ answers to the questionnaire showed that BELF courses lead to job performance efficiency, higher self-confidence when communicating, willingness to use more English at the workplace, and fewer misunderstandings. It also could enhance participants’ language proficiency level and communication skills. Moreover, participation in BELF courses could facilitate English in the workplace and encourage a professional atmosphere compared to the past.
Highlights
In recent years, in addition to being the dominant language in the academic realm, English has proliferated as a lingua franca in corporate communications and international business (Lustig & Koester, 2013)
The current study showed that the topic of communication was of high relevance for the Iranian company
There was a direct link between participation in the Business English as Lingua Franca (BELF) course and effective job performance
Summary
In addition to being the dominant language in the academic realm, English has proliferated as a lingua franca in corporate communications and international business (Lustig & Koester, 2013). Böhringer, Hülmbauer, and Seidlhofer (2008) define BELF as redundant English, where the common goal is to reach a mutual consensus In this circumstance, the person who sends a message needs to ensure that the receiver has understood it. In what kinds of situations do you use English at work? Does the company encourage people to use English? Do you think there are some special characteristics when introducing English in Iranian companies than elsewhere in the world? Do you think it is important for your company to use English? Do you feel it is important to use English in Iranian companies in general? 5. Summary benefits for companies and individuals challenges for companies and individuals company policy the situation in Iranian companies 6.
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