Business as a Second Language

[Francis Hult]

Geosynthetica.net

 

Business as a Second Language

 

Language from the perspective of a non-native English speaker provides insight into business communication.

 

Few companies direct resources toward training native speakers of English how to communicate more effectively with non-native (English as a second language, or ESL) speakers. Oftentimes, learning about cultural differences is the focus for training employees who will work abroad. For example, how to hold and present a business card in Japan: with the card facing the person to whom it is being offered and with the presenter using both hands, one thumb atop each upper corner of the card. 

 

But our use of language itself-the strategies we use in communication, and the arrangement of words on which the success of a business deal often rests-is seldom taught to native English speakers working in international or ESL business environments. 

 

We don't look at language from the other direction.

 

Full story:

http://www.geosynthetica.net/news/news/LanguageTips_072408.asp

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