English in the Workplace: Language Needs of Bank Employees Bank of Algeria as a Case Study

Abstract

Recognition of the need for improved English communication skills has been growing among professionals in different contexts and workplaces. Therefore, the current research paper is an exploratory study of the existence of English language in the workplace with specific focus on the Algerian banking sector as a field of study. It aims at understanding whether English is needed in Bank of Algeria and also to find out what problems related to English do employees have during their work. The sample population encompasses twenty participants distributed by type of work in different job positions. They received questionnaires to identify whether English is needed in their job, the problems they have, their desire for taking an English training course and their attitudes towards English. Based on the data analysis, it became clear that the employees’ needs and lacks are greatly affected by their English language level and the training they acquired in it.