L2 English and L3 Foreign Language Use and Needs in Foreign Affairs
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7146/hjlcb.vi66.164508Keywords:
Language needs analyses, language in diplomacy, English for Specific Purposes, Languages for Specific Purpose, L3 languagesAbstract
The present study investigates foreign language use and needs in the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a government ministry with numerous international contacts and extensive foreign language use. To examine L2 English and L3 language use and needs, we used an online survey that combined multiple choice with open-ended questions. It was answered by 486 of the 1447 respondents in and outside Norway, giving a 35% reply rate. The findings show that while English dominates, the L3 languages are used extensively and considered highly important, but more often in informal or social contexts. The most used L3 languages were French, German and Spanish, while some less frequently taught languages such as Arabic or Chinese were under-used due to the lack of speakers of the language. While English proficiency is considered high, there is still need for improved knowledge of highly specialized vocabulary and advanced oral and written genres according to subject and area of responsibility. For the L3, improving general language proficiency and language maintenance are most needed, in addition to more speakers of several less frequently taught languages. For both English and the L3 it is also necessary to develop the linguistic and cultural awareness needed for rapport building in formal and informal situations. A key implication for higher education is the need to integrate the teaching of occupationally relevant English and L3 language skills into non-language degrees.
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