Jan 23, 2022 | Business, communication skills, cross cultural communication, professional development, Uncategorized
If grammar and vocabulary are “WHAT we say” then language functions are “HOW we say it.” How we say it is deeply tied to culture. Many non-native speakers who are fluent in English still struggle with some English language functions that may...
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Apr 7, 2016 | accent reduction, Asian culture, Business
South East Asia covers many cultures and many languages. This includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and others. While each are unique, they also share common threads. Speakers of South East Asian languages often share common pronunciation errors when...
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Oct 13, 2015 | American culture, Business, cross cultural communication, cross cultural negotiation
The ability to “sell yourself” with confidence is a key skill for success in American culture. American culture focuses on the individual. In interviews, performance reviews, meetings and presentations, people are are expected to “sell” themselves by stressing...
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May 19, 2010 | Business, cross cultural conflict, Particularist and Universalist cultures
UK Macmillan publisher is in big trouble. It seems that they gave bribes in Sudan for a textbook deal. In Sudan, a bribe is not an uncommon business practice, whereas in the UK, it’s illegal. In some cultures, bribes are a normal part of doing business. In others,...
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Apr 28, 2010 | American culture, Asian culture, Business, cross cultural communication, Hispanic culture, managing diversity
An interviewer who makes decisions based only on his own cultural ideas may miss out on talented applicants who may not fit into his framework. Areas for miscommunication in the interview process include: Group v individual orientation American culture focuses on the...
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Apr 13, 2010 | American culture, Asian culture, Business, cross cultural communication
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hispanics comprise 50% of the foreign-born labor force and Asians make up 22%. Among these workers, 2 tiers exist: Latinos with low education and low skills, and educated professionals from Asia. Although both groups are...
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