THOMAS COSSÉ: "My students have to write the report in such a way that it can be understood by someone who is an English speaker but not a native English speaker."
For example, he tells his students to avoid jargon and other specialized terms that people might not know in their own language. This can be good advice even when writing for other native speakers.
But effective communication involves more than just words. Kay Westerfield is director of the international business communication program at the University of Oregon.
KAY WESTERFIELD: "If you just have the language awareness or the skills without culture, you can easily be a fluent fool."
Cultural intelligence means the need to consider local behaviors in everything from simple handshakes to speaking to large groups.
Still, Kay Westerfield says the ability of local workers to speak English is becoming more important to companies looking to move operations to other countries. Or, as she puts it, to "off-source."
KAY WESTERFIELD: "While cost remains a major factor in decisions about where to off-source, the quality of the labor pool is gaining importance, and this includes English language skills."
Also, she says English skills often provide a competitive edge for business students when they seek jobs.
KAY WESTERFIELD: "As one business student in West Africa put it, 'English is a lifeline.'"
And that's the VOA Special English Economics Report, written by Mario Ritter. You can read and listen to our programs and find activities for English learners at voaspecialenglish.com. We're also on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube at VOA Learning English. I’m Steve Ember.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25