《国际商务沟通》课件PPT 02 The Role of Language in IBC.ppt

The Role of Language in Intercultural Business Communication The Relationship between Language and Culture Selection of the Right Language The Company Language The Role of the Interpreter Communication with Nonnative Speakers The Impact of Technology on Oral and Written Communication The Relationship between Language and Culture Language as a Reflection of the Environment Language reflects the environment in which we live. Most Americans use terms such as snow, powdered snow, sleet, slush, blizzard, and ice. Language as a Reflection of Values Language reflects cultural values. Ma?ana (tomorrow)—to Mexican, future The Relationship between Language and Culture The Meaning of Words Sometimes different cultures use identical words that have rather different meaning. “force majeure” In U.S. refers to forces of nature or possibly war In EU. It includes the changes in economic conditions or other circumstances that were not anticipated when the contract was drawn up The Relationship between Language and Culture Changes in Language Language changes over time Example: businessman----businesspeople Acronyms The same institution may have difference acronyms indifferent languages. UN stands for the United Nations; The Germans transcribe UN as Vereinte Nationen The Relationship between Language and Culture Euphemisms Jargon Implications of the Language Barrier Communication across cultures and languages is difficult and full of hurdles and pitfalls. If the students are not aware of the cultural issues, in all likelihood they will identify the problem as a language problem rather than a cultural problem Linear/Nonlinear Language Linear Language Has a beginning and an end, is logical, and object oriented. Linear languages look at time on a continuum of present, past, and future (English). Nonlinear Language Is circular, tradition oriented, and subjective. Nonlinear languages look at time as cyclical and seasons as ever-repeating pattern (Chinese and Japanese). Sele