NOTES:

Language auditing TO DEVELOP language strategy and Language training policy FOR Tailored Language programme based on needs analyses WHICH ARE THEN implemented, assessed and given feedback to.

TOOLS:

1. modified Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

2. Initial hearings for employers

Does our language strategy meet the needs of communication in our organization? (Identification of aims for a language strategy)

What are the plans of the organisation for global operation?

What languages, areas and cultures are essential for us? To what extent?

Which groups of personnel are concerned?

What are our competencies in communication now?

How are interactive communication, public speaking skills, and professional documentation in relevant languages and intercultural competence included in our strategies?

What are our aims for improved communication competencies?

What means are we going to use to meet these challenges? (Translation, IT and Web resources, interpretation, use of overseas agencies, subsidiaries, cultural training, languages / communication training, use of external consultants...)

How much training will give us a satisfactory situation in a reasonable time frame?

Analysis of language training policy

To what extent does the training system now serve the identified communication aims?

What are the present language/communication skills of the personnel? Of key groups at least?

Should we conduct a needs analysis? For which groups of personnel?

Where are the communication problems? How are they different for different groups of personnel?

Have the contents of the courses been designed to concentrate on identified skills areas?

How are we organizing the language training? What can be done internally? What should be done externally?

Are the most efficient course types in use?

What should our system of language training be? well-tailored programs, many course forms, specific programs?

Information

How is our language training system visible and accessible for employees?

How can we develop a reasonable monitoring system and gain sufficient information on skills?

How can a database of language skills profiles be made to serve the interests of strategic development work?

3. Needs analyses can take place through questionnaires, interviews, diagnostic tests, discussions or combinations of these. The analyses can concern one single person, complete departments or the whole personnel. Language testing can also be used to diagnose present skills, but it is a more costly option than selfevaluation, which is fairly reliable on a 1-5 scale. The