Naslov
Developing skills, attitudes and confidence for the global job market - entry level

Autori
Kabalin Borenić, Višnja ; Krnajski Hršak, Vera

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u zbornicima skupova, cjeloviti rad (in extenso), stručni

Izvornik
Files of the 9th International Conference of the European Association of Languages for Specific Purposes / Theo Bungarten - Hamburg : Tostedt 2010: Attikon, 2010

ISBN
978-3-927226-53-1

Skup
AELFE 2010 IX Annual Conference of the European Association of Languages for Specific Purposes

Mjesto i datum
Hamburg, Njemačka, 19.09.2010. - 22.09.2010

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
business English ; writing skills ; letters of application ; HR management ; globalization

Sažetak
The aim of the paper is to identify linguistic and cultural features that should be emphasized when teaching business English, more specifically letters of applications, for global job markets. The paper is based on the research carried out at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb, including a total of 200 students, whose level of general English is B1 to B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. In order to obtain a dynamic insight into the problem area the researchers asked the students to write two letters of application, one prior to and the other following the instruction and reinforcement period. The students' "job applications" were subsequently examined by business English teachers on the one hand and hiring professionals working for global corporations on the other. In addition to insufficient language competence (problems ranging from literal translation to grammar issues), the comprehensive analysis has revealed the following salient issues: pervading ignorance of business style and register as used in the global corporate environment, and cultural bias towards extensive, unstructured and vague writing, which is still tolerated in the Croatian discourse as such. Moreover, HR experts suggested that business English teachers should not confine themselves solely to teaching specific linguistic skills, but that they act as coaches and help their students to develop a global outlook, understand their strengths and weaknesses and respond to potential employers' expectations appropriately. Drawing on the data from an L2 motivation research carried out at the same institution, the paper concludes with suggestions for classroom activities which could contribute to students' developing a better-informed, positive and self-confident attitude towards the challenging complexities of a job search in the globalizing world.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Filologija

Napomena
Cjelovit rad je u postupku objavljivanja u tiskanom zborniku.

POVEZANOST RADA