2. Робота з текстом Business Communication

Basics of Intercultural Business Communication

As Bill Davila knows, the first step in learning to communicate with people from other cultures is to become aware of what culture means. Our awareness of intercultural differences is both useful and necessary in today's world of business.

Business Etiquette in Different Countries Around the World

In this article we will present you some of the business etiquette in different countries around the world. Depending on how you behave and how you dress, you can leave a good impression or, conversely, a poor one, to your bussiness foreign partners.

It is good to know that in European countries, but also in Latin America, both women and men must wear refined suits and stylish and fashionable accessories. Unlike these regions, on the Asias continent and in the Middle East, businessmen are more appreciated if they have a more sober dress and the colors used are the dark ones. Below we will detail this information, pointing out each country.

For example, in Argentina, the more you have a vivid dress, with powerful, sharp colors, the more you will be  in tune with local preferences. It is also advisable to wear such costumes in order to attract attention. On the other hand, you should not feel embarrassed if Argentines will touch you lightly on the shoulder or arm when talking to you. This is one of their customs through which they show respect and appreciation.

The situation is similar in Brazil, the place where  wearing the same bright and attractive colors is a good sign. The people there love to stand out even through the violation of standard rules of behavior, meaning they are much more libertine and more independent than other nations.

If you ever encounter businesses in Japan, then you should know that it is mandatory for you to to accept the Japanese’s invitations to coffee, tea or anything else they would propose to you. Otherwise, you show a lack of respect that will deeply sadden your Asian friends. Also, alcoholic beverages such as whiskey are highly appreciated by people there. Regarding the dress code in Japan, wearing simple clothes in darker colors should be just fine. If you are a woman, it is best to avoid wearing pants, and it’s better to opt for an elegant suit.

In Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia or Qatar, women have to be accompanied by a man during the business meetings. Without a man, the chances of success in what they proposed decrease significantly. Regarding the apparel, both males and females should avoid short clothes or  those that stand out. Traditional costumes are the best suited and they may represent a key to success in bussiness. Also, what you have to remember is that on Fridays, Muslims do not work, because these days are devoted to prayers. Last but not least, avoid friendly gestures, such as subtle touch on the arm and if you are female, do not reach out to a man’s hand when you want to greet him, but expect him to do so first. As for gifts, never give alcohol to Muslims, because to them it may  represent an offense.

In Sweden, businessmen wear formal clothing. The calm and cold attitude of the Nordic people is well known, so avoid too polite and friendly gestures. Try to keep visual contact with Swedes throughout the discussions with them. This is how you show them that you are in control and know exactly what you want. Do not let your emotions overwhelm you, because they will sense it.

The French are a nation for whom it is advisable to have a more reserved attitude because of the unpredictability of their character. You never know when they move from one mood to another, so it’s best to remain calm and cautious in dealing with the business.

Unlike the situation in Muslim countries, if you have a bussiness to solve in Russia, you should know that you may not refuse the drink that the locals offer you in a traditional way. Otherwise, they will perceive the gesture as an insult and most likely you will not be able to maintain a good bussiness relationship with them.

Difficulties of Intercultural Business Communication

Language barriers Cultural differences Religion and values Roles and status, Concepts of personal space Body language Social behavior and manners

LET'S HAVE A CHAT

Ex. 1. Answer the following questions.

1. Why is it important to understand cultural differences when you do business with people in other countries?

2. How can businessmen develop understanding doing business with people from other countries?

3. It is necessary to learn the principles of international communi­cation and apply them globally. However, we face cultural dif­ferences in different countries.

Ex. 2. True or False.

Cultural differences influence business strategies and operations. Understanding them is difficult to overestimate.

Many of these cultures are complex and different from ours. To be successful in international business means to be good citizens of international community.

We should learn to honour and respect our own cultures and to develop tolerance and respect for other cultures.

No one can learn all there is to know about a foreign culture. But to show an interest means to create a climate of understanding and respect. The mere willingness to accept differences is of great impor­tance.

Робота над текстом за професійним спрямуванням.

Ex. 1. Read and translate the given text, answer the questions. Think of your favourite musician (prepare a short report (5-7 sentences).

John Lennon

John Winston Ono Lennon was best known as a singer, songwriter, poet and guitarist for the British rock band The Beatles. His creative career also included the roles of solo musician, political activist, artist, actor and author.

As half of the legendary Lennon-McCartney songwriting team, he heavily influenced the development of rock music.

Many of his songs such as "Imagine" and «Strawberry Fields Forever «are often ranked among the best songs in popular music history. In 2002, the BBC conducted a vote to discover the 100 Greatest Britons of all time, and the British public voted Lennon into 8th place.

Lennon was born in Liverpool on 9 October, 1940. Both of his parents had musical backgrounds. After his parents' divorce Lennon lived with his aunt and her husband throughout the rest of his childhood and adolescence.

John Lennon was accepted into the Liverpool College of Art. He didn't enjoy studying there and ultimately dropped out. He instead devoted himself to music, inspired by American Rock 'n' Roll and singers like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly. Lennon started playing rock 'n' roll in a band, which was later called The Beatles.

Lennon had a profound influence on rock and roll and in expanding the genre's boundaries during the 1960s. He is widely considered, along with songwriting partner Paul McCartney, as one of the most influential singer-songwriter-musicians of the 20th century.

John Lennon decided to quit the Beatles in 1970. Of the four former Beatles, Lennon had perhaps the most varied recording career.

Lennon was tragically killed in 1980 by the obsessed fan named Chapman. He fired five bullets. One bullet missed, but four bullets entered Lennon's back and shoulder.

When asked once in the 1960s how he expected to die, Lennon's offhand answer was «I'll probably be popped off by some loony.» Although Lennon might have meant it as a joke and did not expect it to happen, the comment turned out to be chillingly accurate.

Questions:

1. What is John Lennon best known as?

2. What did his creative career also include?

3. What did Lennon heavily influence?

4. How are many of his songs ranked?

5. What did a vote conducted by the BBC discover?

6. Where did Lennon live after his parents' divorce?

7. Why did John Lennon drop out of the Liverpool College of Art?

8. What did he devote himself instead?

9. What was John Lennon's role in the development of music?

10. When did John Lennon decide to quit the Beatles?

11. What happened in 1980?

Vocabulary:

singer — співак

songwriter — композитор

rock band — рок-група

creative — творчий

to include — робити висновок, включати

author — автор; літератор, письменник; творець, творець

heavily — дуже великою мірою

to influence — впливати

development — розвиток, розширення, розгортання, ріст

to rank — цінувати, розцінювати, розташовувати за рангом; котируватися

vote — голосування, балотування

to discover — виявляти, розкривати, дізнаватися, знаходити

backgrounds — знання, основи

throughout — протягом

childhood — дитинство

adolescence — юність

to accept — приймати

ultimately — в решті решт

to drop out — кидати (роботу, навчання)

instead — замість; натомість

to devote — присвячувати

to inspire — надихати

profound — сильний, глибокий; непомірний, надзвичайний

to expand — розтягувати(ся), розширювати(ся); збільшувати(ся) в об'ємі, в розмірах

boundaries — межі

to consider — вважати, думати

to quit — залишати, покидати, йти, від'їжджати

obsessed — схиблений

fan — фанат; шанувальник, любитель, прихильник

to fire — стріляти

bullet — пуля

back — спина

shoulder — плече

to die — вмерти

offhand — імпровізований, зроблений спонтанно

to pop off — стріляти, палити

loony — божевільний, психічнохворий

joke — жарт

chillingly — жахливо

accurate — вірний, правильний, точний

Граматичний матеріал: Повторення вивченого матеріалу. Simple, Continuous Tenses.

Ex. 1. Complete the sentences using the following verbs:

cause(s)       connect(s)       drink(s)        live(s)       open(s)     speak(s)       take(s)

1.    Tanya  speaks  German very well. 2.    I don't often ____________ coffee. 3.    The swimming pool ____________ at 7.30 every morning. 4.    Bad driving ____________ many accidents. 5.    My parents ____________ in a very small flat. 6.    The Olympic Games ____________ place every four years. 7.    The Panama Canal ____________ the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Ex. 2. Complete the sentences with I'll + a suitable verb. 1. I"m too tired to walk home. I think   I'll take   a taxi. 2. 'It's cold in this room.'    'Is it? ______________ on the heating then.' 3. A: We haven't got any milk.     B: Oh, I forgot to buy some. ______________ and get some now. 4. 'Shall I do the washing-up?'    'No. it's all right. ______________ it later.' 5. I don't know how to use this computer.'    'OK, ______________ you.' 6. 'Would you like tea or coffee?'   '______________ coffee, please.' 7. 'Goodbye! Have a nice holiday.'    'Thanks. ______________ you a postcard.' 8.  Thanks for letting me borrow your camera. ______________ it back to you on Monday, OK? 9.  'Are you coming with us?'    'No, I think ______________ here.'

Ex. 3. Complete the sentences. Put the verb into the correct form, positive or negative. 1. It was warm, so I  took  off my coat.  (take) 2. The film wasn't very good. I  didn't enjoy  it very much.  (enjoy) 3. I knew Sarah was very busy, so I ____________ her.  (disturb) 4. I was very tired, so I ____________ the party early.  (leave) 5. The bed was very uncomfortable. I ____________ very well.  (sleep) 6. The window was open and a bird ____________ into the room.  (fly) 7. The hotel wasn't very expensive. It ____________ very much.  (cost) 8. I was in a hurry, so I ____________ time to phone you.  (have) 9. It was hard carrying the bags. They ____________ very heavy.  (be)

Домашнє завдання:

1. Опрацювати текст за професійним спрямуванням.

2. Опрацювати граматичний матеріал, виконати запропоновані вправи.