Power Dynamics in Business English as a Lingua Franca Discourse

Mohammod Moninoor Roshid University of Dhaka ; Raqib Chowdhury Monash University

Abstract

Although power manifests as a form of social behavior through language, how it contributes to business English lingua franca (BELF) discourses remains underresearched. This article problematizes how perceptions of power dynamics manifest through choices of BELF discourses as practiced in the Bangladeshi ready-made garments (RMG) industry. Data for this study were collected from interviews with three levels of business professionals. Findings show that perceived power is embedded in everyday business discourses to both empower and disempower speakers and influence differences in their language use. Specifically, perceived organizational position, business position, linguistic ability, and sociocultural identity impacted language differences.

Journal
Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
Published
2024-09-01
DOI
10.1177/23294906231165275
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Cited by in this index (4)

  1. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
  2. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
  3. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
  4. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly

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