Volume 03 Issue 06-2023
5
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
06
Pages:
05-08
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
997
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This study aims to analyse the oral English communication challenges faced by engineers in the workplace in Pakistan.
Effective oral communication skills are essential for engineers to succeed in their professional roles, particularly in an
increasingly globalized and interconnected world. However, limited research has focused on the specific challenges
faced by engineers in Pakistan regarding oral English communication. This case study utilizes qualitative methods,
including interviews and observations, to explore the difficulties encountered by engineers when communicating in
English in the workplace. The findings shed light on the specific areas of concern and provide insights into potential
strategies and interventions to enhance oral English communication skills among engineers in Pakistan. The results of
this study can inform language training programs, curriculum development, and workplace initiatives aimed at
improving the overall communicative competence of engineers in English-speaking contexts.
KEYWORDS
Oral English communication, engineers, workplace, Pakistan, communication challenges, case study, language skills,
communicative competence, language training, curriculum development.
INTRODUCTION
Research Article
ANALYZING ORAL ENGLISH COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES FACED BY
ENGINEERS IN THE WORKPLACE: A CASE STUDY FROM PAKISTAN
Submission Date:
May 26, 2023,
Accepted Date:
May 31, 2023,
Published Date:
June 05, 2023
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ijll/Volume03Issue06-02
Dr. Mahnoor Pathan
Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshor, Pakistan
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ijll
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 03 Issue 06-2023
6
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
06
Pages:
05-08
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
997
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Effective oral English communication skills are vital for
engineers to excel in their professional roles, enabling
them to effectively collaborate, convey technical
information, and engage with colleagues, clients, and
stakeholders in diverse contexts. However, engineers
in Pakistan, like many other non-native English-
speaking countries, face various challenges when
communicating in English in the workplace.
Understanding these challenges is crucial for
developing targeted interventions and strategies to
enhance their oral English communication skills.
This case study aims to analyze the oral English
communication challenges faced by engineers in the
workplace in Pakistan. By examining the specific
difficulties encountered by engineers, this study seeks
to identify the areas where improvement is needed
and explore potential strategies to address these
challenges. The findings will provide insights into the
factors
that
hinder
effective
oral
English
communication among engineers and contribute to
enhancing their overall communicative competence.
METHOD
This case study utilizes qualitative research methods to
analyze the oral English communication challenges
faced by engineers in the workplace in Pakistan. The
study involved interviews and observations to gather
rich and in-depth data from engineers working in
different industries and organizations.
A purposive sampling technique was employed to
select participants who had experience with oral
English communication in their professional roles. The
sample size was determined based on data saturation,
ensuring that a sufficient number of participants were
included to achieve a comprehensive understanding of
the challenges.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather
insights
into
the
participants'
experiences,
perceptions, and difficulties related to oral English
communication. The interviews allowed for open-
ended discussions, enabling participants to share their
perspectives and provide specific examples of
challenges they encountered.
Additionally, observations were conducted in the
workplace to gain a firsthand understanding of the
communication dynamics and contextual factors that
influence oral English communication
among
engineers. These observations provided valuable
contextual information to complement the interview
data.
Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the
interview and observational data. The data analysis
process
involved
several
stages,
including
familiarization with the data, coding, identification of
themes, and interpretation. Rigorous data analysis
techniques, such as peer debriefing and member
checking, were employed to enhance the credibility
and validity of the findings.
Ethical considerations were given throughout the
study, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and
anonymity of the participants. The study adhered to
ethical guidelines and principles of research conduct.
The findings of this case study will contribute to the
understanding of the oral English communication
challenges faced by engineers in the workplace in
Pakistan. The insights derived from the analysis can
inform the development of language training
programs, curriculum enhancements, and workplace
Volume 03 Issue 06-2023
7
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
06
Pages:
05-08
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
997
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
initiatives aimed at improving the oral English
communication skills and overall communicative
competence of engineers in English-speaking contexts.
RESULTS
The analysis of oral English communication challenges
faced by engineers in the workplace in Pakistan yielded
several key findings. The thematic analysis of
interviews and observations revealed three major
challenges: linguistic barriers, cultural influences, and
workplace factors.
First, linguistic barriers were identified as a significant
challenge for engineers. Participants expressed
difficulties in pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and
fluency, which impacted their ability to convey their
ideas accurately and effectively in English. Lack of
proficiency in English was a common concern,
particularly for engineers whose primary language was
not English.
Second, cultural influences played a role in
communication challenges. Participants highlighted
cultural differences in communication styles, norms,
and expectations, which affected their ability to adapt
their communication approach in English-speaking
environments.
Politeness
conventions,
indirect
communication, and different speech patterns were
mentioned as factors that required adjustment.
Third, workplace factors such as time constraints,
workloads, and project deadlines affected engineers'
oral English communication. Participants reported
feeling rushed or pressured to communicate quickly,
leading to difficulties in expressing complex technical
information or clarifying doubts. Limited opportunities
for English practice and inadequate feedback
mechanisms were also identified as hindrances.
DISCUSSION
The results of this case study provide valuable insights
into the oral English communication challenges faced
by engineers in the workplace in Pakistan. The
linguistic barriers identified underscore the importance
of language proficiency development programs that
focus on pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and
fluency. Addressing these areas through targeted
language training can enhance engineers' ability to
communicate effectively in English.
Cultural influences emerged as significant challenges,
highlighting the need for intercultural communication
training. Building awareness of cultural differences and
promoting effective communication strategies can
help
engineers
navigate
diverse
workplace
environments and adapt their communication style
accordingly.
Workplace factors, such as time constraints and heavy
workloads, need to be considered in fostering effective
oral English communication. Providing sufficient time
and resources for communication, encouraging a
supportive and collaborative work environment, and
integrating English practice opportunities into daily
routines can help engineers overcome these
challenges.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this case study shed light on the oral
English communication challenges faced by engineers
in the workplace in Pakistan. The linguistic barriers,
cultural influences, and workplace factors identified
emphasize the need for targeted interventions and
strategies to enhance engineers' oral English
communication skills.
Volume 03 Issue 06-2023
8
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
(ISSN
–
2771-2834)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
06
Pages:
05-08
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
997
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted
approach, including language training programs,
intercultural
communication
workshops,
and
workplace initiatives that provide adequate resources
and support for English communication practice. By
improving oral English communication skills, engineers
can effectively collaborate, share knowledge, and
contribute to their professional growth and
development.
The insights derived from this case study contribute to
the understanding of the specific challenges faced by
engineers in Pakistan and can inform the design of
interventions and training programs tailored to their
needs. Ultimately, enhancing engineers' oral English
communication skills will positively impact their ability
to thrive in a globalized workplace and contribute to
their organizations' success.
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