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The author proposes a historical overview of language practices in work situations: first in Taylorized factories, then in the more modern forms of organization of labor and in the new productive sectors. Four broad movements characterize the evolution of language practices in work situations. The use of so-called immigrant languages has always been and remains in low esteem and has no social surface. In contrast, spoken varieties of French, which, in Taylorism, went unrecognized or were even forbidden, have acquired a new status, becoming a stake in a company's productivity. The 'service' dialogue between employee and customer is one language practice that has been considerably expanding. Finally, practices of literacy (reading and writing) continue to proliferate in all professions.