今日国际趋势之——全球各式各样文化对经济影响.ppt

Multimedia Lecture Support Package to Accompany Basic Marketing Lecture Script 6-* We mentioned earlier that some countries have more than one distinct culture. Does this mean they have more than one language, too? Very often, the answer is yes! You probably already know that Canada has both an English speaking and a French speaking area—both with their own cultures. Belgium is divided into Flemish and French speakers, and four different languages are spoken in Switzerland! Do you know which language is the most widely spoken language in the world? If you answered English, you’re right! But keep in mind that Chinese is the mother tongue of the largest number of people! Now you may be wondering if it’s important, given that English is so widely spoken in the business world, to learn a foreign language. The answer is yes! Remember, that just because people may speak English, it may not be the English you’re familiar with. One American executive with MobiTV recently wasn’t sure whether to be concerned or happy with his British client called to say she was “chuffed to the mint balls.” A late-night translation by his British colleagues revealed that she was happy. Furthermore, learning a foreign language signals to your host that you’re making an effort to meet his needs, just as he has made an effort to meet yours. And don’t forget that failing to learn the local language can result in costly blunders. For years, China has had a reputation for making poor English translations, in fact, the translations are commonly known as Chinglish. For example, instead of finding a sign for a handicapped restroom, signs might refer to toilets for deformed persons. Stay of the grass signs on park lawns are translated into show mercy for the slender grass! In 2007, China decided that in anticipation of holding the 2008 Summer Olympics, it was time to try to correct public signage. So, the country established teams of linguistic monitors to go around Beijing and