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"TIRF encourages TESOL researchers to do good work and to make a difference in the world as the findings from their research inform and enrich the learning and teaching of English around the world."

Diane Larsen-Freeman,
TIRF Supporter

The International Research
Foundation
for English Language Education

Research > Research Priorities > Bilingualism/Plurilingualism in Business and Industry

TIRF Research Priorities

Bilingualism/Plurilingualism in Business and Industry

First adopted 2008

TIRF seeks research proposals on the effects of bilingualism or plurilingualism in business and industry. This research priority may be addressed through a number of research questions:

• What are the policies of a particular corporation or business toward language in the workplace? How are those policies promoted and enforced?
• What is the economic impact on a particular business of introducing a policy of bilingualism or multilingualism in the workforce? What other impact does such a policy generate?
• What is the economic impact on employees of a particular business when a policy of bilingualism or multilingualism is introduced in the workplace?
• How is bilingualism/multilingualism assessed in the workplace? How frequently is it assessed, and how is assessment information used? What is the "washback" (the effect of assessment on teaching and learning) of the assessment procedure(s)?
• What language education opportunities do various businesses provide or support? How is the impact of those programs evaluated?
• How do policies related to bilingualism or multilingualism influence hiring decisions in business and industry?
• How do policies related to bilingualism or multilingualism influence promotion decisions in business and industry?