Why is it important to understand both the verbal and non-verbal parts of communication for successful business dealings in other countries? What are some of the practical difficulties in the attempt to learn? Should English remain the international language (Lingua Franca) for business? Why or why not?
Importance of Verbal Non-Verbal Communications in Successful Business Dealings
Regarding verbal communication, it can be observed that the meanings attached to different words are completely arbitrary. Different cultures and different countries may appoint different meanings to various words, and therefore, it is important to understand both verbal and non-verbal parts of communication for successful business dealings in other countries. Language demonstrates what a society and its culture consider to be important. For instance, there are seven words for bamboo in South India but no word for snow.
Business dealings depend on the verbal and nonverbal languages. Since it is a medium through which people communicate with each other and express their ideas. There are many languages spoken throughout the world. However, businesses can utilize one language to link them all together. In addition to understanding both the aspects of communication, it is also important to understand the differences that arise between the different cultures and communities in which international businesses operate or function. For instance, people in the United States are more comfortable with the individualistic approach, whereas the Japanese pay more value to the collectivist approach.
Understanding the fact that people in different parts of the country will perceive a sentence or idea differently, would ensure that the businesses have effective and clear communication between them. Businesses deal in financially and strategically sensitive transactions. Therefore, any possible miscommunication between them would be highly destructive to its business processes. Understanding how a sentence can be perceived differently in another culture can minimize the risks associated with communication in international businesses. The accent, dialect, slang, and other aspects of English may also differ across the different countries, which can result in possible miscommunication. Even in a single language, there is a possibility for miscommunication. Since English is perceived as the international language for business, even then it can be misconstrued. In such circumstances, it can be stated that the nonverbal communication that accompanies such communications can often be utilized to augment and enhance the clarity of the initial or primary message.
If businesses understand the international language, it enables them to become more mobile physically as well as electronically. Verbal and nonverbal languages can be used to enhance the relationship between different businesses if utilized effectively. Successful business dealings will always be highly dependent on such effective communication.
One of the practical difficulties which can occur in an attempt to learn a foreign language can be the decline in the ability to learn new languages. For instance, the critical period of language development in humans lasts the first six years of age, after that it becomes considerably more difficult to learn new languages. Other practical difficulties include the different cultures that develop as a result of the language of a particular country. For instance, language, through the influence of culture can influence relations. As in French, it can be observed that different phrases are used when formally communicating with an individual, where as in America, where English is spoken, most of the verbal communication is informal. There is no formal word for “You” unlike in French. Such aspects of learning new languages can significantly add to the difficulty levels of learning new languages. Dialects and writing styles can also differ greatly from region to region. For example, Mandarin relies on unique words and symbols to communicate messages, thus, an individual will have to learn new sounds and alphabets to learn new languages.
English Should Remain the International Language
English should remain the international language (Lingua Franca) for Business. Most of the international community understand the language already. The English language is already serving the purpose of linking the different languages of different communities and businesses throughout the world. In other words, English is currently serving as the primary language of all international businesses. It is the most common language regarding use of media channels, and international hotel and receptionists. It is also one of the official languages of as chosen by the United Nations in most of its international proceedings. Most of the research papers and other international publications are released in English to ensure that the material is accessible by the largest number of people possible.
One of the significant risks that businesses face is the possibility of misunderstanding and miscommunication which arise from cultural or language differences. Therefore, businesses find it easier to communicate with each other in English since most of the people of the world already have a general understanding of the language, and its associated nonverbal gestures. If the international language of the world is changed or altered, it will cause significant problems with the communication systems between countries as well as international businesses. In numerous countries, English is taught in addition to the mother tongue of the children in order to ensure that the knowledge of the world is accessible to them as well as to ensure their future mobility in the world. Therefore, since the language contributes to the connectivity of the world, and also its development, through research, replacing it would be detrimental to the progress of the businesses as well as the international community.
Conclusively, since the international community and businesses are already heavily dependent on the English language, therefore, it would be advantageous if the entrepreneurs and employees understand all aspects of verbal and nonverbal language to aid the smooth and effective operations of their tasks and businesses. To engage in effective and efficient international business, it is important to be fluent in English as well as be aware of the foreign country’s verbal and nonverbal languages.
