Workplace English

Your job will be an important part of your life, and you will both want to and have to talk about work-related topics. English gives you the opportunity to speak to people from all over the world. Therefore, a certain level of work-specific language and social and cultural competence will help you talk freely and naturally about your work.

More importantly, since English is the first language of international companies, there is a high chance that you will have to interact in English at some point in your career. You might have to deal with import and export by contacting customer support. If you are in charge of handling international customers for a company, they will expect you to be able to communicate in English. Since English is the most common language in international communication, it means that the people who master the language will have a better chance of success. As Bill Gates said, “If your business is not on the internet, then your business will be out of business” (2016). And what is the language of the internet?

A global analysis by Cambridge English of language skills in the workplace states that tasks in English usually include writing emails and letters, delivering presentations, participating in meetings, reading reports or other texts and cooperating with colleagues and customers (2016). Every year, the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) assembles a report on competences needed in Norwegian member companies. As many as 50% of them state that language competence in English is a vital factor when hiring and that employees are expected to have good communication skills. Two-thirds of companies within industry, logistics and transport confirmed the need for English, stating that “Norwegian is our work language, but a lot of communication is in English at the construction site” (NHO 2018). This use of English as workplace language is reported in the areas of customer and employer relations, written work, informational material and communication with employees.

a certain et visst / eit visst Preaction interact samhandle How will English be participating delta part of your future analysis analyse profession? assemble her: lage hiring ansette/tilsetje logistics logistikk confirmed slo fast relations forhold GO ONLINE to use the term lists Vurderingseksemplarand do tasks to expand your workplace English. SOURCES Cambridge English. 2016. English at Work: Global Analysis of Language Skills in the Workplace. Cambridge English Language Assessment in collaboration with QS. Cambridgeenglish.org NHO. 2018. NHOs Kompetansebarometer 2018. → See tasks on the next page. Rapport 2018:23. NIFU.