• use the theory introduced in the course and the relevant metalanguage to account for, analyse and discuss cultural differences in general and in relation to communication and language
• identify, discuss and analyse cultural dimensions at play in various texts and/or cases/communication scenarios
• assess the impact of cultural differences on communication strategies and possibly suggest solutions to communication scenarios presented in cases
• present a written independent, well-structured and coherent analysis and discussion in English without any significant lexical or grammatical errors that may constitute a barrier to communication
• Make references to sources used in written assignments correctly and consistently in accordance with a generally accepted referencing system.

The overall objectives of the course are to

• provide students with a theoretical foundation and a metalanguage enabling them to discuss and analyse culture and the way culture impacts on language and communication strategies
• enable students to build awareness of challenges in intercultural communication and to provide students with practical methods to adapt communication to target audiences from different cultures
• enable students to communicate more effectively in English in a global context

We study specific cultural dimensions and differences on the basis of broader theoretical conceptualisations of culture. A more specific conceptual framework is provided giving the students an understanding of why there are differences in the way we communicate and interact in different cultures. The course should also enable students to manage communication more effectively in practice when using the English language as a lingua franca in international communication contexts and should help students avoid serious miscommunication problems caused by cultural differences.

Summary of course content:

• Theoretical concepts and practical methods by means of which we may identify and assess cultural differences
• Interrelationship of culture and language/communication
• Implications of intercultural value differences for the use of language and communication strategies, eg in respect of face, politeness, expressive vs. neutral communication, formal vs. informal language, titles, address forms, introductions, building relationships
• The use of English as a lingua franca in business communication
• Managing language and intercultural conflict
• Developing intercultural communicative competence

Indicative course literature:

Browaeys, Marie-Joëlle & Roger Price: Understanding Cross-Cultural Management, 3rd ed. (2015). FT Prentice Hall/Pearson

Jackson, Jane: Introducing Language and Intercultural Communication (2014). Routledge

Various articles (see list of readings provided at the beginning of the course)