The Social Relations of Profiling the Language Requirements for Internationally Educated Professionals in Specific Occupations

• In Event: Lifelong Learning From Adult Secondary to Postsecondary Education

Abstract

This paper is drawn from research that examines the work of adult language educators who profile the language requirements for specific professions. The work of profiling is driven by a demand to assess and measure the language competence of internationally educated professionals (IEPs) who attempt to gain licensure for professional practice in Canada. Drawing on textual analysis and interviews, this paper discusses some of the challenges and tensions the language experts encounter in the work of delineating language competence from professional competence. In the spirit of the conference theme, the paper raises questions about what is known during the process of profiling language competence for the professions.

Author

• Tara Gibb, The University of British Columbia/Athabasca University