III. Answer and discuss the following questions with your partner:

1. Why is it important nowadays to gain effective intercultural competence?

2. What should we do to gain intercultural competence?

Audioscript

INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE

I: Interviewer P: Penny

I: Good morning, and on today’s show we are going to be speaking to Penny Barrett, a Management Consultant specialising in intercultural business relations. She is going to be talking about intercultural competence which is a necessity when dealing in business in today’s globalised society. Thank you for coming today Penny,

P: Thank you for having me

I: So can you start by telling us a little about what exactly intercultural competence is?

P: Well John, it’s basically the ability to communicate successfully with people of other cultures. The world where we live and do business in is changing all the time and becoming more and more culturally diverse. Any international organization requires global knowledge, global attitudes, and global skills to remain effective in the future. The failure of a large majority of business ventures with other countries because of a “culture clash” is proof that we need more intercultural competence.

I: So what would you say is the most important criteria in this ability to communicate successfully?

P: One of the most important criteria which you must have in order to fulfil this competency is sensitivity to other cultures. This is certainly the case when you are working in international business.

I: Can you give us an example?

P: Yes of course. Let’s take a look at different countries and their business practices, for example in the Middle Eastern countries. When holding business meetings in the United Arab Emirates, some foreign business people suggest holding the meeting in the lobby of an international hotel rather than in an office. The advantage of this is that there will be fewer people wandering in and out of the meeting. Also when in the Arab countries never cross your legs when sitting, as showing the bottom of your shoe or foot is offensive.

I: This is completely different from European countries such as Germany for example where I cannot imagine an important meeting being held in a hotel lobby! And talking about the Germans I would say that they are very punctual, when it comes to business.

P: Oh yes, absolutely. Germans are always extremely punctual; they have to arrive on time at a meeting. This is in contrast with Latin American countries, where arriving half an hour late at a meeting is normal!

I: So you ought to do you some research before you do business in another country.

P: Yes, of course, what is considered as rude in one place may be considered as polite in another. Let’s take a look at giving gifts in different countries as another example. Some countries like Malaysia and Paraguay are so worried about corruption that they frown upon any gift that could be seen as a bribe. In Malaysia you shouldn’t give a gift until you have established a relationship with the person. In Singapore, government employees are not allowed to accept gifts, and the United States limits any gift to the dollar value of $25. However, in some countries like Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines, exchanging gifts is a strong part of tradition. Part of the tradition is the gracious style used to present and receive them. Oh and in Asia and the Middle East you must only use your right hand, or both hands, to offer or accept a gift. Whereas in Japan and Hong Kong, you should use both hands.

I: So in this case effective intercultural competence is the ability to take into consideration the personal impact in interactions with colleagues and external contacts and adapting your behaviour appropriately.

P: Exactly. You need to be well informed about the other cultures, and open to learning more about them. Social mistakes do happen sometimes, but you must recognise that you have committed an error, and be prepared to change your ways. I myself once made the mistake of not removing my gloves when shaking hands with a business associate in Russia, without realising that this is considered impolite. Luckily the associate was very understanding and we laughed about it afterwards! Luckily I didn’t have any pockets to keep my hands in whilst negotiating, you mustn’t keep your hands in your pockets when negotiating in Russia, it is seen as extremely rude!

I: Well that certainly has given us a small but valuable insight into effective and ineffective intercultural

competence. Unfortunately we’ve run out of time now, but are there any last things you would like to say.

P: Never make false assumptions about other cultures, and never lack sensitivity. Be open to learning about

new cultures. If you are constantly doing business with, or travelling to, one country in particular, you ought to

think about learning the language, you don’t have to learn it fluently, but enough so you can communicate

effectively in a range of situations.

I: Thank you Penny, it’s been a pleasure having you here today.

P: Thank you.

2.3 Speaking:

(from Cambridge Professional Series: Intercultural Resource Pack)

Body Language

Different physical signals mean different things to different people, depending on factors such as nationality, status and situation. 1. Look at the list of physical actions below. Put the appropriate number in the box to say if in your national culture they are:

1 = perfectly acceptable;

2 = just about acceptable;

3 = unacceptable in a formal situation such as a business meeting.

2. Choose a culture other than your own and decide which of the actions would be in a different category.

1. Laughing loudly 2. Scratching your head 3. Touching somebody on the arm as you speak to them 4. Looking somebody straight in the eye for 5 seconds or more 5. Sitting with your legs wide apart 6. Adjusting your clothing: tie, bra, trouser belt 7. Moving close to someone 8. Standing with hands on hips 9. Crossing your arms 10.Putting your feet on the table 11.Not looking at someone when you speak to them 12. Yawning 13. Whispering to a colleague 14. Nodding your head emphatically 15. Blowing your nose 16. Smoking

Communication Styles

People communicate in different ways. Here are some sets of parameters which help identify communication styles.

1. Systematic - organic

Some people like to present information, or deal with topics, in a systematic, sequential manner. Others prefer to explore things randomly, relying on instinct or experience to help them touch upon the major areas.

2. Direct- diplomatic

Some people go straight to the point of a communication, with no time spent on introduction, preparation or formality. Others will spend time on social talk or on related matters before moving to the central point.

3. Formal – informal

Some people use formal and possibly complex language as opposed to a more relaxed, familiar and friendly style; the tone of voice can be distant or intimate.

4. Inductive - deductive

Some people make a suggestion or state an idea, then explain or justify it; others will present information first, then draw a conclusion or recommendation from it.

5. Head - heart Some people rationalise and speak objectively and reflectively; others speak instinctively, following their feelings.

6. High context – low context

Low context communicators state the message simply and clearly, with no redundant material; for high context communicators, the situation, surroundings and other associated details are an important part of the communication.

7. Colleague - friend

Some people treat others as a colleague with whom they have a strictly professional relationship; others assume that most other people are their friends, and treat them as such.

1. For each set of parameters, select the characteristic that best describes your own communication style.

2. Do the same for another culture (national, corporate, etc.) with which you are familiar.

Unit 3. Intercultural Issues of Education

3.1 Reading: Text 5. Universities

Before reading

1. With a partner, make a list of reasons for going to university.

e. g. studying hard, making friends, taking exams, having fun, not earning money for 4 or five years.

2. Should almost everyone go to university?

3. Is it worth going to university?