Summary produced by NRDC (1)
Benefits of ESOL in the workplace
This review describes UK and international research on ESOL
in the workplace. This research has shown that language is
a dimension of racial discrimination in "gatekeeping"
encounters such as formal recruitment and promotion procedures.
ESOL programmes therefore often include an element of intercultural
awareness training. Evaluations of ESOL workplace programmes
have shown benefits such as improved communication and other
specific skills, some increased economic security and employment
opportunities, and a reduction in reliance on translators.
For employers the benefits are cost savings, wider access
for employees to training, more team work and more flexibility.
Criticisms
However, some research has shown that the focus on ESOL has
undermined the value and authority of other languages in the
(often multi-lingual and multi-cultural) workplace, and can
stigmatise workers who can do their jobs but fail language
tests. Knowing more English will not lead someone directly
to a better job if that job requires a much higher level of
general education. There is also concern that employers and
employees may differ in their assessments of how much English
is required in order to do a job.
The review also points out that, in the UK, there is almost
no existing research on ESOL in the workplace, reflecting
the very low levels of provision so far. However, there are
important lessons to be learnt from North America and Australia.
Reference:
(1)The information above is taken from a summary produced
by the National Research and Development Centre for Adult
Literacy and Numeracy. Download the summary from: www.nrdc.org.uk
The reference for the full report is: Roberts, C. (2005).
English in the Workplace. In Hinkel E. (ed) Handbook of Research
in Second Language Teaching and Learning. New Jersey: Lawrence
Earlbaum Associates.
For further information on this study contact Celia Roberts
at the Department for Education and Professional Studies,
King's College London, tel: 020 7848 3122 email: celiaroberts@lineone.net
Also see...
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