ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND ECONOMY IN THE DIGITAL WORLD

Abstract

In the modern, globalised world English language has an important role as a means of communication. The use of language in business environment facilitates communication and economic efficiency. Global language survey, carried out in 2013 in 60 countries worldwide, links English language proficiency to economic and social development (ICEF Monitor, 2014). Results of the survey indicate that the countries with higher levels of English language proficiency have stronger economies and higher per capita income levels, and thus a better quality of life. Nevertheless, due to globalisation process and the Internet, the role of English has changed in so far as English proficiency is not only an economic advantage but also a basic skill needed for the entire workforce (ICEF Monitor, 2014). The aim of this paper is to give an insight into attitudes of students of economics and business economics on the significance of English in the business environment. The paper analyses differences in students’ attitudes in relation to the gender and the year of study. For that purpose, the research was carried out among the students enrolled in undergraduate study programmes at the Department of Economics and Business Economics. As the research instrument, the Questionnaire “English in Business Environment” has been applied. The research results indicate that the participants consider English language to be an important factor in economy and their future business environment. There were no statistically significant differences relating to gender while some statistically significant differences for the year of study have been found. This paper suggests further research based on a context-specific approach, to be carried out in other educational contexts, encompassing different study programmes and levels of study. Keywords: language proficiency, economy, business environment