Education Sciences
/ 5. Modern Methods of Teaching
Ivanchenko T.U.
South-Russia State University of Economics and Services, Russia
ENGLISH AS THE INSTRUMENT OF
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
The role of foreign language is very important nowadays because of increased
international business. Knowledge of a foreign language and
multicultural sensitivity are so essential in many professions. Proficiency in
a foreign language combined with skills in a certain professional area is desirable
if a professional wants to succeed in global competition and cooperation. It is business that places the greatest
emphasis on
both
foreign language capability and knowledge of specific subject areas [1].
English language is a universal instrument of communication in every
field of society’s activities. Most terms, short names, names of scientific
phenomena and laws have English language etymology. Future professionals have
every opportunity of getting the latest information technologies in their
specific subject areas, most of which are given in English.
There are many theories in foreign language teaching and they are
important in the teaching process. The ability to speak a foreign language is a
factor for the overall political and cultural development of the individual.
Mastering a foreign language is linked with familiarization with the greatest
works of the world’s art and literature, different culture, different national
character and mentality. The cultural ethnolinguistic concept of foreign
language teaching means communicative orientation of the learning process.
Intercultural competence of the student is the most important. Foreign language
teaching becomes intercultural teaching developing tolerance to foreigners and
breaking down existing stereotypes. According to Berdichevskey there are
several components of intercultural training:
1. linguistic: grammar, lexis, etc.
2. practical: rules that help to orient in another country
3. aesthetic: differences in lifestyle, clothing, etc.
4. differences in behavior, manners
5. “stereotypical”: stereotypes towards the own culture and the target
culture
6. historical: different assessment of the two countries’ past
7. reflective: personality changes as a result of the intercultural
training [2].
Students need to be taught to communicate in foreign languages and
understand other cultures and value systems. Unfortunately, we lack global
perspective in higher school curricula. There is dissatisfaction of both
students and employers with traditional foreign language programs which provide
students with poor preparation for professional use of their foreign language
skills and lack globalizing business education in combination with world arts. Most
students do not understand even one foreign language and culture. To have
better results in teaching foreign languages we need to train many more
professionals who will be able to communicate effectively with foreigners and
who will be familiar with cultural differences. It will be a key to success in
business and communication.
A young employee is viewed to have an ability to adapt to a new
environment. So, new efforts are aimed
at improving foreign language education in the Russian Federation. There have
been some reforms at higher education institutions. As the result, nontraditional,
interdisciplinary programs of foreign language education, which require foreign
language proficiency and cultural knowledge, have been developed. They meet the
demand of the job market À prominent
component of these reforms is the application of foreign language, generally
English, and cultural studies in the field of business.
We have following tasks to be solved:
1. To
develop a linguistic model fitted to business context.
2. To develop pedagogical model of training business communication
skills process.
3. To study and analyze historical experience and modern state of
solving the problem of developing students’ business communication skills as
the factor improving proficiency.
4. To use innovative techniques in higher school curricular, etc.
Representatives of international business admit that in business operations
run more smoothly with employees who are proficient in the foreign language. If
there are communication problems, more time is required for negotiations and
other business dealings. But cross-cultural misunderstanding is perhaps more
significant. The lack of it means different approaches to solving problems,
getting cooperation, and achieving agreement.
So, business language teaching must contain themes in which vocabulary
and business practices and aspects of foreign culture that affect business
relations are combined with grammar, pronunciation, oral and written skills. Role-plays,
videos, use of multimedia and cross-cultural communication simulations need to
be included.
It is
necessary to keep in mind that business language, including lexicon, syntax,
rhetoric, and style is often different from every day language.
According to Yonkers V. “… the
corporate culture can have an effect on choice of language, grammar and style “[3].
So communicators must be taught to be flexible.
To achieve better results foreign language should be produced in context
and the linguistic experience of the learners and self-evaluation activities taken
into account; learning process must be more intensive; we must expand the
exchange programs for school and college students and specialized programs for
language teachers.
In conclusion, many professionals now realize that fluency in a foreign
language, especially English, is essential if they want to participate
effectively in their fields and expect to maintain high standard of living in
the context of increasing competition and cooperation.
REFERENCE
1)
Inman, Marianne E. How Foreign
Language Study Can Enhance Career Possibilities / ERIC
Clearinghouse on Languages and Linguistics Washington DC.
2) Berdichevskey, A.L. Modern Trends in Foreign Language Teaching in Europe [Text] / A.L. Berdichevskey // Russian Language Abroad. – 2002.–¹2.//http://www.learning- Russian.gramota.ru/journals.html?m=ruszr&n=2002-02&id=371
3) Yonkers,
Virginia The Business Communication Model For Teaching Foreign Business
Languages, Siena College. - Mode of access: www.krannert.purdue.edu