The zero-sum game of language accommodations in the workplace

Abstract

The article explores the approaches regarding language use in the private workplace. It offers analysis on the communicative and cultural functions of language and its implication for language policy referring to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Guidelines. It presents an argument contending that cultural decision depends upon an individual and that the laissez-faire approach is fit for the attainment of the goal. Moreover, given are the proponents of language accomodaton in the workplace which is considered as a fair hearing, highlighting the concerns on fairness to the immigrants experiencing difficult transitions, the cultural burden-sharing, and the associational interests in choice of language.