The English language & communication in the international workplace: an examination of Thai computer engineering professionals

Abstract

Using effective English language is one of the most desired communication skills for successful international engineering workplace. However, the way in which this language is used in terms of computer engineering has not been much studied, despite being one of the key aspects of international business. This study aims to explore the nature of international communicative situations; to identify how Thai engineers self-report their language proficiency, ability to perform English-related tasks and their opinions regarding language use in an international workplace. The participants were Thai engineers working in companies located in the Bangkok metropolitan area. A mixed-methods approach was employed, and the results revealed that English language proficiency plays a key role in their workplace and in terms of career advancement; their interpersonal communication mostly took place between colleagues in the same base, or between overseas bases, in terms of cooperation, teamwork, and meetings; oral communication skills were the most needed; their perceived language proficiency level was fair, and their perceived reading skills were the best in comparison to their other skills; and using perfect English was not a priority, yet intelligibility was more important for reaching their communicative goals. Such findings have led to pedagogical implications such as specifically designing courses containing realistic knowledge and skills; introducing the concept of BELF to raise awareness among engineering students regarding comprehensibility of non-native-like English speech; and practicing listening with both native and non-native accents to be familiar with these accents and more confident communicating in real-life situations.