Culture &
Language
Three Dimensional International
Communications:
Ø
LANGUAGE - Translation / Interpretation
-
Language Training
-
Documentation and
Glossary Management
Ø
CULTURE - Cultural Interpreters (differing business
practices)
-
Awareness Training
-
Compatibility,
Conflict Resolution
Ø
MEDIUM - Tel, fax, letter, email, multi-media,
presentation
-
Information
Technology, e-World
-
Knowledge Management
Communications tailored to the audience
ü Are your promotions adapted to local expectations or just translated?
ü Are you getting local inputs?
ü
Are you certain that you are represented in the
right places?
q
How confident are you of your answers?
q
Would you know how to check them out?
q What is really being “heard” in
the market?
Our review of your business addresses the
essential aspects of Language
& Culture.
Business
Communication Review
From regular incoming and outgoing correspondence such as faxes and
memos, through Company Documentation (reports, product and technical) and
advertising material. We can assist you
in identifying all the channels and encourage consistent and effective
communication.
Once the initial review is complete, our approach will be to define
an International Communications strategy that deals with foreign language
interactions at all levels, respecting language and culture. The success of the programme will depend on
the support of senior management to encourage company-wide understanding of the
reasons behind the resulting programme and the benefits of its adoption. We can help with this internal communication
process.
The types of issues that we will address with your staff are:
o
Where are foreign
language needs most likely to occur?
o
Where is use of local
language imperative? (E.g. contracts, adverts, meetings,...)
o
Analysis of specific foreign language
needs (communication flow)
o
Language Services (training,
translation) requirements
o
Specialist Language
& Culture Support Services & Tactics
Cultural
Awareness
Differences in Business Practice, though subtle, can have a
profound impact on how your audience receives your message, indeed if it will
encourage them to listen at all. For example we will address cultural issues
that have as much impact on what you say as the choice of language:
Who speaks first Attitude
to God and nature
Decision-making Time
Thought patterns Personal
space
Material possessions Family
relationships
Risk avoidance Competitiveness
Short and long term planning Social
behaviour
Inner self and outer self Meetings
Social cohesion Values
Greetings Gift-giving
Entertainment Self
of achievement
Principles of
organisation Negotiation
styles
Communication styles Management
styles, Leadership styles
Misunderstandings “hidden
agendas” and resentment
For more information on intercultural management,
take a look at our related website Transcultural
Synergy.