The use and needs of English in the workplace context of Catalonia

Abstract

This investigation explores the English language use and needs of L1 Catalan and Spanish professionals across different fields in the workplace context of Catalonia. Informed by studies in the fields of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and Business English as a Lingua Franca (BELF), a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were used to gain insights from the language users into both language specific as well as affective factors. Findings included that participants most commonly used reading at work, especially through technology and media, but were most eager to improve their speaking and conversation skills. While some participants were not specifically motivated for their current work, many had personal motivations and there appeared to be overall positive attitudes toward English use and learning. The diversity of responses suggests a range and complexity of English language use and needs in the Catalan workplace that merits further investigation into both language and affective factors, and has potential. The present needs analysis implies a first approach to the use of English in the Catalan workplace context and may have relevant implications for ESP teaching and facilitation of workplace communication as functions are carried out in English.