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The Language‐Culture Connection in International Business
Author(s) -
Block Brian
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
foreign language annals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.258
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1944-9720
pISSN - 0015-718X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1944-9720.1996.tb00840.x
Subject(s) - linguistics , resentment , language industry , language education , international business , context (archaeology) , foreign language , sociology , nexus (standard) , comprehension approach , psychology , pedagogy , political science , computer science , history , law , philosophy , archaeology , politics , embedded system
This article examines the linkage between language and culture within the context of international business. Much has been written relatively independently on language and on culture in international business, but not on the relationship between the two. The overall significance of language in business is considered, after which the nature and strength of the links between language and culture are discussed. Intracultural homogeneity (uniformity within a particular cultural group) and “context” or background are analyzed in terms of language capabilities. The shortcomings of translation and consequent importance of language skills as a means of facilitating acceptance and minimizing resentment of foreign direct investment are additional relevant issues. Finally, attention is paid to certain exceptions to the normally inextricable culture‐language nexus and the danger of separating the two in training and learning situations.