Language and Occupation

Mgr. Marta Šarkozi, University of Comenius in Bratislava, Slovakia

The paper examines the relationship between language and occupation in the context of legal English instruction at the Law Faculty of Comenius University in Bratislava. It focuses on the experiences of English language teachers and their students of law. Drawing on Swales' theory of discourse communities, this study explores how English is used exclusively with students and at the same time how it is interspersed with Slovak language among the colleagues, creating a unique bilingual environment. Particular attention is given to how language shapes professional relationships and how it affects hierarchy within a closed group of individuals. Mixed methods, interviews/questionnaires, and observation will provide insights into their perceptions of language usage, the integration of English terminology into Slovak discussions, and the impact of bilingual communication on workplace dynamics.