science and telecommunication systems ("IT Revolution") has brought about a new
technological paradigm for business and industry. Commercial transactions can be
done at the speed of light by direct e-mail with practically anyone living in any corner
We are in the early days of the "borderless" economy. World markets are becoming
essentially one. Corporations are increasingly looking at the free flow of goods,
services, and information as the pathway to growth.
The world today is characterized by an ever growing number of contacts resulting in communication between people with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This communication takes place because of contacts within the areas of business, military cooperation, science, education, massmedia, entertainment, tourism but also because of immigration brought about by labor shortage or political conflicts.
Lack of knowledge of another culture can lead, at the best, to embarrassing or amusing mistakes in communication. At the worst, such mistakes may confuse or even offend the people we wish to communicate with, making the conclusion of business deals or international agreements difficult or impossible.
It is important to increase Intercultural Communication in all aspects of our lives. Business English students in particular need to be aware of cultural differences in order to develop positive business relations and to avoid frustration when dealing with business people from other cultures. Intercultural Communication also helps us to increase our awareness of our own culture. We should observe similarities and differences in cultural behaviour.
Intercultural Communication helps people to overcome potentially embarrassing problems, resulting from different conventions of behaviour, politeness and gestures. It may help business people to understand power differences in other cul
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