ABSTRACT
Acquiring the ability to communicate effectively in the increasingly complex, diverse and mobile contexts of today’s work environment requires a reappraisal of what matters in language usage and language learning. This chapter argues that the ‘traditional’ essentialist approach based on emulating an ideal native speaker interacting in culturally stereotyped situations is insufficient preparation for the multiple challenges which come with the multilingualism common in today’s workplace. The authors emphasise the need to go beyond the acquisition of a specific linguistic code and adopt a ‘general’, inter-language perspective. The focus in the learning process shifts to the capacity to use a repertoire of skills and personal linguistic resources, vital to successful interaction in the diverse and multilingual workplace.
