Workplace communication in flux: from discrete languages, text genres and conversations to complex communicative situations.

The study shows how topicalization of being a language learner can be conducted a) with respect, when the language learner is prepared for it, and in an informal or humorous manner, or b) in a way that puts the language learner off her guard. Studies focus on, for instance, how different languages are used in meetings (e.g. [53]; [69]), on how translanguaging (the integrated use of two or more languages in interaction) is used in sales (e.g. [32]; [121]) and on how professionals in their writing processes often use several languages (e.g. [61]). 2 Studies of workplace communication in relation to applied linguistics In this section, we briefly review research on workplace communication and language use in applied linguistics and its related fields, focusing on written and spoken communication as well as on intercultural communication and multilingualism. Language and languages are present here in several ways: the interaction is taking place in language classes, language is sometimes topicalised, and languages are used as means for communication in a way that Janson refers to as translanguaging. This study argues that a work life characterized by flexibility concerning employment and language choice should take into account how to respectfully speak about the efforts, problems, and achievements of language learners. [Extracted from the article]