Our Institute has a long tradition of research into the language-specific aspects of business and economics. Research projects focussing on terminology and LSP (Language for Specific Purposes) explore lexico-grammatical features, genre and register in various business contexts. Studies of EMI (English-Medium Instruction) examine how business knowledge and theories are communicated at universities where English is used as the teaching language, which has become an integral aspect of internationalisation at leading business schools. Research findings originating from these fields are directly relevant for students, instructors and practitioners alike.

Several research projects at the Institute engage in the study of discourse, that is, language use in context. They have focused on discourse in legal, political or workplace contexts and explored language use in online media for business related purposes. This line of research examines discursive strategies that serve to persuade and legitimise, or that give expression to and construct particular world views, in order to gain insights into the workings of different genres. The findings in this area of study feed directly into enhancing students’ understanding of societal mechanisms of control and power, thus increasing their critical media competence and honing their rhetorical skills.

One of the main tenets of research at the Institute is the study of communication practices in organizations (internal) as well as beyond organizations (external). This involves the study of communication between different levels of employees, such as managerial communication and intergroup relations, but equally focuses on topics that have more recently gained in importance for a global economy, such as multilingual and intercultural concerns. In view of the importance of communication to the day-to-day activities of organizations, insights gained in this area of study are immediately relevant for students at our University as well as for businesses aiming to streamline and gain a better understanding of their communication practices.