Language requirements for work – an approach to systematisation

The relationship between language and work can be analysed from two perspectives. Language is the medium for the acquisition of employability skills, whilst at the same time everyday occupational activity is scarcely conceivable without language. This article begins by briefly highlighting both perspectives. The second of these perspectives then serves as the basis for an attempt to systematise language requirements in accordance with the primary reference to occupational activity. The organisation context in which occupational activity takes place is considered as a further factor. The aim is to develop a systemisation of language requirements which is able to provide a reference for appraisal of the status of research and for the planning of future research projects, as well as for curricular and didactic decisions.