English as a Lingua Franca and Inclusive Communication in Multicultural Teams 2600-MSdz2ELFen
The course focuses on communication challenges and inclusive practices in multicultural teams where English is used as a lingua franca. Students analyse how cultural differences, power relations, language confidence, and organisational design shape participation and collaboration. The course moves from understanding communication challenges to identifying practical strategies for inclusive teamwork. Classes are discussion-based and use short readings, case scenarios, and group tasks.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
K_W05 – Understanding the role of English as a lingua franca in multicultural teams.
K_W06 – Recognizing the influence of cultural norms on communication styles and the interpretation of behaviors.
Skills
K_U01 – Ability to identify power relations and challenges related to language inclusivity in team communication.
K_U02 – Ability to apply inclusive communication principles in practical team situations.
K_U03 – Ability to evaluate one’s own role as a participant in communication within a multicultural environment.
Social Competences
K_K01 – Ability to participate consciously in multicultural communication in a responsible and ethical manner.
K_K07 – Ability to critically reflect on the impact of cultural differences on communication and collaboration in teams, and to apply inclusive practices in professional settings.
Assessment criteria
• Active participation in discussions and group work
• Short reflective tasks (written, audio, or visual format)
• Group-based applied task analysing a multicultural team scenario
Assessment focuses on understanding, application, and reflection, not linguistic accuracy.
Bibliography
Edmondson, A. C. (2019). The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth. Wiley.
Jenkins, J., Baker, W., & Dewey, M. (2018). The Routledge Handbook of English as a Lingua Franca. Routledge.
Kingsley, L. (2013). Language choice in multilingual encounters in transnational workplaces. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 34(6), 533–548.
Ladegaard, H. J., & Jenks, C. J. (2015). Language and intercultural communication in the workplace. Language and Intercultural Communication, 15(1), 1–12.
Meyer, E. (2014). The Culture Map. PublicAffairs.
Tange, H., & Lauring, J. (2009). Language management and social interaction within the multilingual workplace. Journal of Communication Management, 13(3), 218–232.