Abstract
This paper examines BELF (Business English as a Lingua Franca) teaching and researching in China. A literature review is conducted using the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. This survey includes a cursory literature search on BELF and a thorough literature study of 12 Chinese major academic journals. From the data collected in this study several findings emerge. First, BELF teaching and research has been on the rise since the founding of the People’s Republic of China; and it appears that there will continue to be a growth in BELF literature and research. Secondly, BELF literature during this period has covered a wide range of areas, such as teaching methodology, mode and learning strategies, syllabus design, course assessment and reform, translation studies, systemic functional based studies, discourse studies, as well as other areas. Thirdly, some drawbacks are also exposed. For example, the paucity of empirical studies indicates a strong need to improve the quantity of BELF research literature.
Highlights
The Definition of BELFBELF (Business English as a Lingua Franca or English Lingua Franca for Business Purposes) is employed as a substitute for BE (Business English) because of the wider application of Business English in international business communications among nonnative speakers
This paper examines BELF (Business English as a Lingua Franca) teaching and researching in China
In order to develop a thorough understanding of BELF teaching and researching in China, a literature search was conducted of 12 major academic journals in the field of foreign languages
Summary
BELF (Business English as a Lingua Franca or English Lingua Franca for Business Purposes) is employed as a substitute for BE (Business English) because of the wider application of Business English in international business communications among nonnative speakers. From the perspective of ESP, it can be defined as an attitude or viewpoint in dealing with language in international business communications, rather than an innovative or creative work It is an international language, which draws distinction in accordance with native English or Standard. While there is some overlap with BE, BELF covers a wide variety of English usage in many industries, such as finance, economics, business law, foreign trade, tourism, advertising, etc Taking this into account, BELF falls into two categories, namely, ELFGBP (English Lingua Franca for General Business Purposes) and ELFSBP (English Lingua Franca for Specific Business Purposes). BELF falls into two categories, namely, ELFGBP (English Lingua Franca for General Business Purposes) and ELFSBP (English Lingua Franca for Specific Business Purposes) The former is defined in accordance with the core features of Business English. While the latter is definedin accordance with the diversities in various levels of language as well as the specific context English language in use
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
