Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of this subject students are expected to understand the way in which language and cultural conventions concerning directness, indirectness, politeness and deference have been shown to influence the interpretation of meaning; identify how such factors operate in business contexts such as negotiation and in cross-cultural communication where conventions may be different among different speakers; understand key issues relating to translating and interpreting; identify ways in which Australian business can develop appropriate language expertise for different purposes.
Synopsis This subject aims to present information and principles of language use relevant in the international business context. As well as providing an overview of the structure of a number of languages of interest in the business context, this subject will address the broader issue of cross-cultural communication, and illustrate how certain cultural expectations can limit a speaker's ability to formulate and decode messages in a maximally effective way. The subject will include sections on communication; cross-cultural communication; language typology and universals; language and negotiation; multilingualism; translating and interpreting; corporate language planning; language and management style.
Assessment Bibliography exercise (1500 words): 20% + Research essay (3000-4000 words): 45% + Short class exercises, presentations and participation: 35%