A Survey of English Use and Needs in Norwegian Export Firms

Abstract

The present needs analysis study uses data from a quantitative survey of language use and needs in 302 export firms to identify for which tasks and in which communicative situations English is used, and to what extent language difficulties are encountered. The survey data are then triangulated with those of two studies of job advertisements. The findings indicate that while a large number of staff in Norwegian export firms use English fairly well, many still experience difficulties involving language proficiency as well as communication skills. An important implication is that Norwegian institutions of higher education need to meet their students’ need for advanced proficiency in General English, English for Specific Purposes as well as the communication skills needed in occupational contexts. The findings also indicate that the prevailing focus on communication skills in recent studies of Business English as a Lingua Franca is inadequate, and that such skills must be complemented with advanced English proficiency.