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This book draws on case studies of language management within British organisations to examine the decisions they make about language diversity in their professional communications in order to be successful in a multilingual world. It explores the practices that the organisations use to manage language diversity in interorganisational relationships, and why certain practices occur in some situations and not others. The book highlights how organisations rely on individual employees to perform a variety of language tasks and the implications of this; the effect of English as a global lingua franca; and the translation challenges which organisations face. The book demonstrates that practices to manage language diversity are often a result of the resources organisations have at given moments in time, rather than being part of a deliberate language management strategy.
This is an impressive research monograph, which analyses the language and translation practices of SMEs located in the English-speaking UK. Not only is there clear and persuasive evidence that multilingualism and its consequences are central to understanding the international operations of these companies, the book also provides important theoretical impetus for future research.
Focusing on the under-explored context of SMEs in the UK and inter- rather than intra-organizational relationships, Wilmot’s study draws important lessons on managing language diversity and the struggles companies encounter in doing so. Her nuanced and critical perspective drawing on a variety of literatures is a very welcome addition to the field.
Alongside reflections on ethical behaviour towards external collaborators of SMEs, the book provides a rich data evidence on the underestimated value of the linguistic well-being of the organisations’ own employees [...] the author lucidly points out that much more energy and resources seem to be invested in meeting the language needs of the (potential) clients through translation and localisation of websites and user manuals than in considering the language needs of collaborators.
— Veronika Lovrits, University of Luxembourg
Natalie Victoria Wilmot is Associate Professor in International Business and Deputy Head of the School of Management, University of Bradford, UK. Her research interests include language management, translation in organisational contexts and qualitative methodology.
Figures and Tables
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Organisational Language Management Practices
Chapter 3. Managing Language Diversity as an SME
Chapter 4. Overcoming Language Barriers through the Use of Boundary Spanners
Chapter 5. Translation and the Challenge of Meaning
Chapter 6. BELF and its Malcontents
Chapter 7. Conclusion
Appendix
References
Index