ABSTRACT
One of the main features of multi national
constructionprojects is theorganisationof the con-
struction process where different companies with
different cultures and languages come together
in an ad hoc manner in order to produce a sin-
gle structure. The inability to operate effectively in
markets with different working cultures/practices
and languages has thus been an important barrier
to the construction companies expecting to work
in multinational projects. The need to improve
communication skills has also been reflected by the
European Commission’s increasing focus on voca-
tional training programmes (Hagen, 1999). LAN-
CAM (Languages for Contract Administration
and Management in Construction) project was
one of the pilot projects funded by the European
Commission from 1999 to 2001. The project
aimed to provide multimedia e-learning resources
to develop language skills (English, German and
Spanish) and cultural awareness for professionals
working in the European construction industry.
The aim of the current project EVLAC (Enhanc-
ing Vocational Language Skills and Working
Culture Awareness of European Construction
Professionals) (LLP-LDv-TOI-2007-TR-048) is to
adopt the methodology and the results of LAN-
CAM project to Turkish, Austrian, Greek and
English cases. Two different questionnaires with
construction professionals and companymanagers
have been undertaken in each partner country (i.e.
Turkey (P1) Austria (P2), Greece (P3), UK (P4))
in order to analyse language needs of construction
professionals/companies. This paper will mainly
