Investigating the Use of English as a Lingua Franca between the Algerian Doctors and their Chinese Counterparts

Abstract

Over the years, the English language has become an international language. Subsequently, it achieved the status of Lingua Franca. Furthermore, ELF is used as a means of communication between people with different vernaculars which are not mutually intelligible. The present work puts into examination the use of English as a LF between the Algerian doctors and their Chinese counterparts. It mainly focuses on the extent to which it was adopted, the way it was used, and the barriers the participants face while speaking in it. This study presents the findings of four tools of investigation; observation, questionnaires, interviews, and audio recordings. In order to test the hypotheses and to check the usage of MELF, we administrated all tools of investigation to the Algerian and the Chinese doctors of the Maternity of Tiaret. Accordingly, this research results show a positive attitude towards the use of English between them in Mother Child Complex. Even though, they face difficulties like pronunciation issues and lack of vocabulary.