由於全球化，跨國公司的數量不斷增加。 來自不同語言和社會文化背景的人們因而聚集在這些跨國公司一起工作。 這些公司面臨的障礙之一是語言。 許多跨國公司公司選擇一種通用語言來最小化地減少障礙。 這種通用語言也稱為lingua franca，且通常是英語。 據研究人員稱，通用的企業語言可以提高溝通效率。 然而，為了方便溝通和節省時間金錢，這種方式有時會忽略員工的英語程度其實不同。 本論文觀察到的主要困難是缺乏英語水平、語言文化差異和情緒挑戰，例如非母語人士的焦慮、不安全感和不適。
應對上述困難的策略是協商用意、簡化語言簡化和語言選擇適當語言。 最後，得出的結論是，英語作為通用語可能會造成障礙，特別是對於面臨不同語言水平等挑戰的非母語人士而言。 但是，如果實施得當，它可能對公司有價值。

Due to the globalization, the number of multinational companies is continuously increasing. People from varied linguistic and socio-cultural backgrounds are often brought together at such multinational companies to work together. One of the obstacles that those companies face is the language barrier. Many multinational corporations choose a common language to minimize the hurdle. This common language also referred as lingua franca is very often English. According to researcher a common corporate language can increase communication efficiency. However, in order to facilitate communication and save both time and money, it is sometimes overlooked that employees have varying degrees of English proficiency. The primary difficulties observed by this thesis are a lack of English proficiency, linguacultural disparities, and emotional challenges, such as anxiety, insecurity, and discomfort for non-native speakers. Strategies to cope with the mentioned difficulties are negotiating meaning, accommodating through language simplification and language choice. Finally, a conclusion is made that English as a lingua franca, can cause hurdles, particularly for non-native speakers who are faced with challenges such as different levels of linguistic proficiency. However, if implemented appropriately it can be valuable for the company.

Thesis Validation Letter i
Thesis Authorization Letter ii
Abstract (Chinese) iii
Abstract (English) iv
Table of Figures vi
Table of Tables vi
1. Introduction 1
1.1. Research background 2
1.2. Globalization 4
1.3. Problem statement 6
1.4. Aim of the thesis 7
1.5. Methodology 8
2. Definitions 9
2.1. Language 9
2.2. Globish 10
2.3. Lingua Franca 11
3. Language Diversity 13
3.1. Common corporate language 13
3.2. English as a lingua franca 16
3.3. Barriers of a common corporate language 17
4. Challenges for non-native speakers 19
4.1. Learning ability 20
4.2. Emotional challenges 23
4.2.1. Foreign language anxiety 23
5. Strategies to cope with challenges 28
5.1. Accommodation through language choice 28
5.2. Accommodation through language simplification 30
5.3. Negotiation of meaning 31
5.4. Formation of company speak 32
6. Conclusion 35
References 37

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