The what – how – why of English in the workplace: perspectives from Turkish engineers

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research focuses on the role of English for engineers in the workplace in Turkey, with the aim of informing engineering programs to better equip prospective engineers with relevant workplace communication skills. To this end, it identifies how engineers perceive the importance of English, how frequently they use it for different tasks, and whether the perceived role and importance of English varies according to the type of company where engineers work. Findings show that English is perceived as relatively unimportant for daily tasks but more important for recruitment and promotion. Additionally, they highlight the importance of receptive skills in comparison to productive skills. Finally, they suggest that the type of company is significantly related to the status of English and how it is used in the workplace. Findings will contribute to engineering course designers in Turkey through detailed profiling of the role of English as perceived by Turkish engineers.