Proficiency in English language and communication for professional practice : a communicative perspective

Abstract

A viable employment context requires adequate communication skills in the employment environment. Successful language use for communication purpose presupposes the development of language proficiency in the users of the very language. Through globalisation, English communication skills play a pivotal role in corporate context, especially in societies where English is the official corporate language. This language use is on the other hand constrained by numerous sociocultural issues of the context where the language is used. Within this, candidates who lack the necessary English communication skills face problems in finding jobs or perform poorly if hired. Candidates also face a problem of getting good paying jobs. The acquisition of English language Proficiency constitutes one of Lesotho's main challenges in this century. Proficiency in English therefore, is requisite for employees to advance in both international and local organisations and also to enhance their technical proficiency. Globalisation has become a reality even in the developing communities like those in Lesotho. The prevalent use of English in Southern African countries, including Lesotho, therefore necessitates an adequate achievement of English language competence at the completion of education and training in order to perform well in the corporate world . This study explored the probability of engaging language skills with a view of advancing the Lesotho corporate context, and eventually the struggling economy. The study explored why there is a concern of inadequate English communication skills by those in the corporate context in Maseru. The study was conducted within the paradigm of both qualitative and quantitative methods. Cluster random sampling technique was utilised and this permitted the researcher to divide the population of Maseru into clusters. The Sample was drawn from private organisations and government departments. The main tool of data collection was a questionnaire, which was used to collect data from participants within organisations. Data was also collected from national policy makers through face-to-face interviews. MoonStats statistical programme was used to analyse quanti tative data while content analysis method was used to analyse qualitative data. The findings generally revealed that there was lack of language policy in the Lesotho context, which could be attributed to inadequate English skills. It was therefore recommended that Lesotho establish explicit language planning and policy framework. Findings from the study are beneficial for this society, especially national policy makers in the planning of restorative best practices henceforth. Again, the study is of help in making recommendations in order to overcome poor language use in the business context. Finally, the study paves the way for further research.