Reconceptualizing English for International Business Contexts: A BELF Approach and its Educational Implications

by Elma Dedovic-Atilla, Vildana Dubravac

Overview

This book presents a critique of current English as a Business Lingua Franca (BELF) practices using research conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The authors identify English communication behaviors that hinder or promote success in the workplace, and trace these back to curricula and teaching practices. The authors suggest which skills employers need and expect from employees, and question whether English courses concerned with general academic English skills and business vocabulary are sufficient training for linguistically-complex workplaces. The book also examines whether the focus on achieving native-like proficiency with high grammatical standards and a strong emphasis on form are adequately preparing students who aspire to use English in professional contexts as a means to ‘get their job done’.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781800416017
Publisher:	Channel View Publications
Publication date:	08/05/2022
Series:	Language at Work , #7
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	218
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Elma Dedović-Atilla is an Assistant Professor in the English Language and Literature Department and Head of the Department for Digital Communications and Public Relations, International Burch University, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her research interests include English communication skills, English as a business lingua franca (BELF), the EFL/ELF dichotomy and English in use.

Vildana Dubravac is an Associate Professor in the English Language and Literature Department, International Burch Universityand University of Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her research interests include second/foreign language acquisition, English linguistics, and the historical and contemporary status of English.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations

Introduction

1 The Role of English in the Global Community

2 BELF

3 The Use of English in the Bosnian Context

4 Business Communication in B&H from the BELF Perspective

5 Conclusions and Implications

Appendices
References
Index

Editorial Reviews

Endorsing the BELF approach in the analysis of business communication in Bosnia and Herzegovina, this book provides direct insight into the current role of English worldwide and its presence in international business communication in the Southern European context. It will serve as a valuable resource for business practitioners, educators and researchers.

Amna Brdarević-Čeljo

This book provides a detailed overview of the state of BELF use and training needs in a range of corporate settings in Bosnia, where international business faces complex political and economic challenges. Focus on the little-researched Global South is of particular interest in extending the range of BELF research.

Patricia Pullin

The authors draw thoughtful, well-written connections showing how different professionals can apply [the] data [in the book]. This ranges from instructing business English to developing language learning content and conducting further research. For those who are looking for a solid understanding in current business English or who work in developing content and/or instructing, this is a recommended read.

Tony Rusinak