The utility of using English in business companies: a case study of the Algerian context

الملخص EN

Over the last few years, many studies have dealt with the place of English in the workplace.

In this regard, this paper aims to explore the use of English language in the Algerian multinational companies and how it impacts the business deals with foreigners.

A quantitative study was carried out to collect data through a questionnaire given to the administration staff.

The questionnaire contained a set of open-ended and multiple choice questions.

The data were analyzed through the procedure of tabulation statistics.

The study revealed three main findings.

First, the English language is mostly used with foreigners for communication purposes especially via E-mails.

Second, the use of English is influenced by prior language knowledge more than gender since the results revealed that females are more competent and advanced in English than males.

Moreover, prior language knowledge impacts employees' performance at the workplace in terms of misunderstanding and anxiety when using English through business communication (meetings, telephone calls and presentations) with foreign counterparts.

Third, the use of English has a positive impact on the company's business deals with foreign partners.

The result demonstrated also the employees' needs to improve their four language skills.