This is an evident problem. The knowledge of the English language varies quite a lot from fluent to barely understandable.
To change some of these reasons/causes is, of course, if not impossible, but a very long term project and frankly we think that this diversity is important for the development of the IAA as an international organisation.
The language problem is an important one to solve because, if we cannot communicate, then how can we expect to work together?
At the same time, we would all like to improve the situation right now as much as is practically possible.
The questionnaire
The GCAE internal report provided a useful starting point for a more detailed data gathering exercise, based on a written questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to gather quantitative data about participants’ use of EIB (e.g., frequency of use, language skills needed, perceived proficiency level) and about participants’ first language, number of other languages spoken, etc.
Qualitative data were also gathered, through open-ended questions, regarding participants’ views about the use of English in GCAE business meetings and more generally about any perceived communication issues in such meetings.
The questionnaires, which were written in English, were distributed and returned during the two-day Annual GCAE Group Meeting held in Manchester, England, in October 2004.