English for Specific Purposes
Wrld

SEKKAL Faiza. Intercultural Business Communication: Theoretical Issues and Methods for Classroom Training.

Abstract

Nowadays, communication in English is more than ever emphasized by the language teachers. Socializing accurately and effectively in a foreign language is considered a great advantage in obtaining a job. Also, writing a correct application letter, a CV, a memo in English or passing an interview at an international company are the main goals of the present student. But what is the link between culture and communication? 

In fact, the structures and contents of communication are given by culture, the main argument for teaching culture in ESP as well as in ESL classes is not only a linguistic one: "in order to understand language fully and use it fluently, learners need not only linguistic, pragmatic discourse and strategic competence but also socio-cultural and world knowledge". Thus, adjusting our teaching practices and materials to the changing needs of the communication environment and engaging in Intercultural Business Communication research proves to be the best way of keeping our teaching updated. In this regard, this paper summarizes the most relevant issues related to the concept of IBC focusing notably on incorporating Inter-Cultural Awareness in the Teaching of Business English and suggesting some methods for IBC classroom training.

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