Language and Translation in an International Business Context

Target ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Steyaert ◽  
Maddy Janssens
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
International Business ◽  
Cultural Production ◽  
Translation Studies ◽  
Technical Skill ◽  
Business Context ◽  
Management Literature ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Culture And Language

Abstract This article discusses the role of language and translation in the business context. Drawing on management literature, we identify two different perspectives on culture and language, and discuss their implications for translation and language learning. Within the first perspective of culture as a variable and language as representation, translation becomes a neutral act and language learning a technical skill. Within the second perspective of culture as a metaphor and language as action, translation becomes a managerial act and language learning a cultural production. We conclude by formulating research questions whereby the domains of management and translation studies interface each other.

scholarly journals EXPLORATORY INVESTIGATION INTO THE PRACTICE OF COMMUNICATING TO PUBLICS USING ENGLISH AS A LINGUA FRANCA (ELF) BY FINNISH COMPANIES

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darren Ingram
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
International Business ◽  
Special Interest ◽  
Press Releases ◽  
Lingua Franca ◽  
Content Creation ◽  
Business Context ◽  
Exploratory Investigation ◽  
Global Language ◽  
Linguistic Usage

This thesis examines public relations (PR) communications that use English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) from leading Finnish companies. It analyses a corpus of 90 press releases from 15 export-active companies for linguistic usage, drawing on elements of linguistic theory. In addition, a limited narrative is based on personal interviews to determine typical procedures that are involved in PR content creation. It should have relevance to all who use ELF in a business context, but be of special interest to those involved with PR and marketing. It may also have some relevance to internal international business communications and linguistics.The study was motivated by three factors: how English is a dominant global language that is being used by companies in other countries as an intermediary language, prior research of how Finnish companies use PR and communications within their export activities, and extensive observation obtained whilst working as a journalist, dealing with companies from all around the world.It is believed that many companies may not be communicating efficiently and effectively when using ELF. Even when they do communicate and content may appear to be grammatically correct, its efficacy may be muted, inhibiting audience comprehension and other consequential actions. The research noted that certain linguistic elements were over-represented, which could potentially inhibit communication and comprehension. The resolution is not necessarily drastic and could only deliver wider benefits where implemented.Recommendations include closer attention is made concerning linguistic construction, broader additional research is conducted into the global phenomena and the possible creation of an operational framework to assist deployment of ELF-friendly textual communications, especially within the PR/marketing field.

scholarly journals An Empirical Study on the Distinctive Teaching Mode and Practice of International Business Innovation Class in GDUFS

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 163
Author(s):  
Cai Dongman ◽  
Zhu Wenzhong
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
International Business ◽  
Teaching Effectiveness ◽  
Teaching Quality ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Teaching Mode ◽  
Business Innovation ◽  
Business Context ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Students Satisfaction

<p>Accommodating to the development of globalization, China witnesses a mounting demand for international business talents who are proficient in both foreign languages and business knowledge and adept at international cooperation and competition in business context. In order to meet this need, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, taking advantage of its resources in foreign languages and outstanding professional teachers, made a breakthrough in multidisciplinary teaching reform and took initiavtive to set up the program of International Business Innovation Class in autumn, 2010. In July 2014, it has delivered its first batch of graduates. Hence, it is of great significance to conduct relevant investigations on the teaching mode and practice timely so as to obtain data for assessing its teaching effectiveness and students’ satisfaction. Based on empirical study, this paper evaluates three factors: learners’ recognition, features and problems of this program, which aims at identifying existing problems in practical teaching, improving teaching quality and students’ satisfaction and proposing feasible suggestions to address them. In a broader context, it attempts to provide a quotable paradigm for similar innovation programs or similar institutions’ internationalization.</p>

scholarly journals International Negotiation Simulations: An Examination Of Learning Processes And Outcomes

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ron Lennon ◽  
Alex Sharland ◽  
Mauricio Gonzalez
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
International Business ◽  
Learning Processes ◽  
International Negotiation ◽  
Business Context ◽  
Mexican Students ◽  
Negotiation Simulation

Negotiation skills are valuable tools especially in the international business context. However, the extent to which negotiation simulations build new skills rather than augment existing skills is unclear. This empirical study focuses on the extent to which Mexican students and U.S. students learned from a negotiation simulation. The results indicate that all students learned something but that the Mexican students learned more.

Learning English in corporate China

English Today ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 41-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tian bo Li ◽  
Gillian Moreira
Keyword(s):  
International Business ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
International Communication ◽  
English Learning ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Business Context ◽  
Chinese Companies ◽  
The World ◽  
China's Rise ◽  
Learning English

ABSTRACTA study of English in China's business context.China's rise and its potential markets are attractive enough for companies worldwide to want to do business in and with this country. Recognizing the important role played by language and culture in international business, this paper will explore the functions of English as a language of international communication in the business context in China. In particular it examines the rise in English learning fever and how English is perceived, mainly in companies. Our analysis will be based on a survey of 59 foreign and Chinese companies in mainland China in 2007. The results show that in these companies English is perceived as a tool for international communication, better pay, better jobs and a window to the world.

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