Assesses whether traditional English language teaching with emphasis on grammar and accuracy is necessary in business contexts

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’.

"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, Freelance Trainer and Writer, Switzerland

"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, International Burch University, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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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.