The ability to write well in international business world is crucial part of the successful business communication. U.S businesses are trying to develop the international presence for number of reasons, some of them are: weaker dollar, cheap labor and better communication technology. Even though the value of the dollar and the trade deficit may fluctuate, globalization progresses really fast. To be able to compete in global business one should be able to write professional letters that emphasizes with culture and values of partner company’s country of origin.
Improving communication and letter writing across countries weather it is personal or business letters are so important because we are living in multicultural business world. It is totally normal today that people that we work with, have business with or socialize with to be from other countries. The fact is that all cultures are different U.S companies who trying develop global business, need to be very sensitive and aware of things that can help to improve the communications and break down some barriers, so they can understand each other better.
The clear examples of possible cultural misunderstanding are so called “Americanisms.” Americanisms are special phrases that are unique for U.S culture but can be confusing for any other international citizens. For example:
a) Knock on wood
There are several theories on the origin of this phrase. ”The most common is that in the Middle Ages, pieces of the wooden cross on which Jesus was crucified would be displayed for the public to touch. A touch of the holy wood was thought to bring good luck. The Briticism for this same thought is “Touch wood;” it means the same thing, but stayed closer to the origin. How Americans went from “touch” to “knock” is a mystery.”(www.prowritingtips.com)
b) Let the cat out the bag
If anyone ever accused you of revealing a secret is same as “letting the cat out of the bag”. “At market, these traders would advertise pigs for sale, but when a customer bought one, the con men would hand them a bag and instruct them not to open it until they got home. When the customer opened the bag, they would find a cat instead of a pig and realize they had been duped.”(www.prowritingtips.com)
Personally, I learned to write in British English and it was a huge adjustment for me to understand all those idioms and colloquialisms (kick the bucket, call in sick, ain’t, ganna, wanna.)
References: http://prowritingtips.com/2009/01/americanismsorigins/
George, great post. There is a lot of useful information in here that would be beneficial to people who are business majors.
ReplyDeleteGood post George. I like the picture of Italy with you in it. That is very unique and interesting. You information is very helpful for international business people. Next time try an audio/visual graphic to b roaden your horizons. This week, make sure you make all the deadlines I issue and read the discussion forum at least once a day. Thanks man.
ReplyDeleteGeorge, you rock! Awesome post and so relevant for people who do international professional writing. I loved your description of the history of the idioms "knock on wood" and "let the cat out of the bag". You might have mentioned that American idioms should be avoided in international contexts. The photo is great! Is that you in the photo? It doesn't look like you....too much hair.
ReplyDeletehahaha i used to have long hair , yes it is me ))) but thanks I will try to do well in next postings too , yay !!
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