Communication is also part of the business

Today's Tip [Section]

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/tips/archives/2008/08/think_easy_numb.html

Business Week

http://www.businessweek.com

Copyright 2000-2007 by The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.

August 07-08-11

Kevin Strehlo, Senior Vice President, Global Client Services

PowerMark, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Background:

Some very useful tips on communication appear in this section of Business Week:

Think Easy Number, Not Easy Phrase

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/tips/archives/2008/08/think_easy_numb.html

<Vanity telephone numbers, those numbers which are made up of words instead of numbers, do not work with modern telephones.>

Blog to the Bloggers

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/tips/archives/2008/08/blog_to_the_blo.html

<Companies should not expect customers to be impressed with their blog, but they will if other bloggers mention the company, company's products or the company's blog.>

The Benefits of an Expert Newsletter

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/tips/archives/2008/08/the_benefits_of_1.html

<With so many blogs, emails and other digital communication, newsletters through the post are making a comeback.>

Comments

Communications are a changing and dynamic feature of business. Keeping up with new thinking and developments in business communication can be very useful. Sometimes the small things that seem insignificant might have a positive impact greater then what one might expect.

Bottom Line

Communications is also part of the business.

Tags: communication, blog, newsletter, telephone number, business

Should we speak more than one language?

Caught in the grips of linguistic paranoia

Nataly Kelly

The Boston Globe, August 11, 2008

© Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company.

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2008/08/11/caught_in_the_grips_of_linguistic_paranoia/

Background

In this article Kelly discusses the issue of whether Americans, and maybe their President, ought to learn to speak other languages. She also writes about the opinions expressed by Senators McCain and Obhama, who both seem to be positive about language diversity.

Kelly also writes: "The Quality of Life Index, published by The Economist in 2005, showed that the five countries with the highest standard of living were Ireland, Switzerland, Norway, Luxembourg, and Sweden." She put this down to having a European address and, "they promote multilingualism."

Comment

National language is an old issue and it seems to me that the American preoccupation with languages is the more politically correct option than religious diversity. Europe, it seems, is more concerned with religious diversity. Apart from a few fringe interests, Europe does not have a language problem, only a huge translation bill.

However, I have my doubts whether Kelly was right in putting a lot of emphasis of the Quality of Life Index. To being with, a lot has happened in Europe since 2005. But I would say that the reasons why the Scandinavian countries have the highest quality of life is because they are countries with a small population, but more importantly, they have strong social policies. For example, I doubt if there is anyone in these countries who does not have health cover.

I agree that knowing different languages can go along way to help us communicate with each other, but as I have indicated many times in this blog, it is not the ideal state of affairs. Business people might be in a better position to benefit from knowing different languages, not only because business is a neutral activity, when compared to politics or culture, but also because the objectives are clear. Politicians and cultural leaders have a constituency to persuade and it is the reaction of the constituency that matters.

Yes, Kelly has a point when she says, "Know they enemy." But I think she would be better off not making enemies in the first place.

Bottom Line

Language unites us, languages keep us divided.

Tags: language, politics, multi linguists, second language, business, president, America,

English Branded

Old brands get English names

China Daily (Newspaper and website)

(CRI) Updated: 2008-01-09 09:21

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-01/09/content_6381050.htm

The China Daily, reports that some of the old and well known Chinese brands will be getting an English name. The names where a result of an initiative on the internet asking readers to suggest names in English.

Comments:

This must surely be evidence, of a sort, that businesses are more prepared to accept international standards than, maybe, other groups in a country.

Bottom Line

Language unites us, languages keep us divided. But we've known this for a long time, remember the Tower of Babel?

Tags: china, brands, business, english,

Eating your words

Chinese dishes get official English names

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-08-31 11:12
> http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-08/31/content_6071689.htm <

This is a report from Xinhua on how the government in China are trying to standardise the names of Chinese food and dishes for the Olympics. The report says that 2,753 dishes and drinks have been translated; a list which will be eventually used throughout the country.


COMMENTS:

As the article recognises, the translation of food and dishes could be a sorry, if not hilarious experience. One always expects a good laugh when reading foreign menus in English. This initiative makes sense since it shows responsibility by the authorities towards visiting tourists. Maybe all the relevant tourist authorities throughout the world could agree on a standard menu glossary and vocabulary. Of course, maybe this is not practical for all the various dishes, but certainly for the main ingredients and popular dishes.


This also makes sense in the context of business. It is good corporate responsibility to communicate well with one's clients. Unfortunately, sometimes a menu translated into English (badly or not) can also mean inflated prices if not more. Personally, I try to keep away from establishments with menus in English.

How about other authorities doing the same with their various jargon and instructions: health, police, road signs?

BOTTOM LINE

It's good to know what your eating.

Where is the beef?

Where is the beef?

Country:
USA

Source:
Geno's Steaks
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geno's_Steaks)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(First saw the story in Reuters)
LINK

Philadelphia "English-only" eatery faces probe
By Jon Hurdle Mon Jun 12, 6:29 PM ET
Copyright © 2006 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
LINK1 LINK2


Story:
Geno’s Steaks put up a sign saying, “This is America – When ordering, speak English.” The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations is considering whether this discriminates on nationality or ethnicity. The restaurant says that if people don’t speak English nothing will happen, they’ll still serve the customer.

Facts:
- prospective fine $300.
- the owners of the restaurant are of Italian descent.

Language Issues:
- Is language linked to race or ethnicity?
- How is language linked to race or ethnicity?

Comments:
- Is a business owner or their staff expected to communicate in all the languages and dialects of the world?
- Bandwagon politics can be dangerous to real human relations. I have already included stories on this blog on how people can be exploited because they do not speak English.

Bottom-Line:
Where is the beef?

Keep it short and simple

Keep it short and simple

Country:
USA

Source:
How To Be an Ace Speaker
By Carmine Gallo
Copyright © 2006 Business Week Limited. All rights reserved.
LINK

Story:
Gallo gives some very good and useful advice on how to use the various tools of communication in business. The facts speak for themselves. Some are given below.

Facts:
- 15 – 20 minutes to say it in a meeting.
- 30 seconds to grab someone’s attention.
- 15 – 20 minutes for a presentation with 10 slides maximum.
- IDEAL presentation 3 slides with 3 lines each, 15 minutes maximum.
- 1 screen-full for an email.

Language Issues:
- These short time messages must surely imply that the language used has to be efficient and effective.
- The famous people who used these techniques and strategies were also good with language: Presidents Kennedy, Roosevelt, ex-CEO Welch and so on.

Comments:
- Read the article

Bottom-Line:
Less is More

We’re all B-Lingual

We’re all B-Lingual

Country:
USA

Source:
Corporal communication: Your posture and gestures speak volumes
By Janea Philip
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
Posted on Tue, Jun. 13, 2006
© 2006 Macon Telegraph and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.macon.com

Story:
Non-verbal communication is not only more effective, but also it represents some 80% of our communication. Lillian Buchanan, who trains nurses, has some useful advice on body language especially during interviewing.

Eye contact is one of the most effective forms of non verbal communications. Mannerisms can also get in the way. Basically, think before you say anything.

Facts:
- some 80% of our communication is non verbal.

Language Issues:
- Can we separate the means of communication with the message we are trying to communicate?
- How much does the means of communication influence the meaning of what we’re trying to say?
- If we can control our natural body language, wouldn’t people pick up on this sooner or later? Wouldn’t we lose any advantage we might have had?
- How long does it take us to figure out that people are controlling their natural language?

Comments:
- No doubt that both natural language and body language are the product of evolution, however, why has natural language become so prominent in humans?
- Does gender and culture make a difference to the message we receive from body language?

Bottom-Line:
If we control our body language would that be the same as lying?

Taxi drivers’ English

Taxi drivers’ English

Country:
USA

Source:
Dover delays English rule for cab drivers
BY MARIA ARMENTAL
DAILY RECORD
04/11/06
Copyright ©2006 dailyrecord.com


Story:
Taxi drivers in a town are required to speak sufficient English, but this provision is not being enforced yet. The authorities expect to introduce testing of drivers on practical English knowledge in emergencies and other situations.

Some argue that the English language provision might discriminate against otherwise suitably qualified drivers. And in a town where the majority of people speak Spanish, this would be an added discrimination.

Facts:
- Taxi companies need to have insurance coverage. ($500,000 liability cover)
- Taxi companies should pass the English knowledge requirement.
- a suitable English language test will be set.

Language Issue:
- why not have taxi drivers speak a second language? This makes sense if a city has international visitors. Who decides what qualifies as a second language?
- why is English still regarded as a political issue when it is clear that English is the de facto international language of communication?
- who decides what is a reasonable English language test? And would an English native speakers have to sit the language test as well?

Comments:
- can a customer demand a driver who can speak another language?
- would an English speaking customer be discriminating if they refused to ride in a cab if the driver did not speak English?

Bottom-Line:
At which point does a lack of a skill become a discrimination?

Shop signs: a language issue?

Shop signs: a language issue?

Country:
USA

Source:
Can you read the signs? Language issues resurface
By Teresa Watanabe
Los Angeles Times
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Copyright © 2006 The Seattle Times Company

Story:
A proposal in a city in California requiring business signs to be in English has led to disagreements in the political-business community. Federal law, it seems, allows the use of English-only rules in matters of safety or efficiency in running the business.

Some local people are concerned that businesses who have signs only in other languages, such as Spanish or Vietnamese, are contrary to public safety. Other business owners are against the authorities telling them how to run their business or what language to write their signs in. Some business owners point out that unless they can communicate in Spanish, for example, they won’t have any customers.

Facts:
- Federal law allows English-only rules for safety reasons or efficient running of a business.
- Employers cannot discriminate against someone for their accent unless it interferes with job performance.
- Hawthorne City has a population of 88,000.
- With about 5,000 plus businesses in this city, only a handful of them display foreign only language signs.

Language Issues:
- It makes sense for a business to communicate in the language of the customer. This does not tell us whether a business also has a duty to communicate in a language which a reasonable customer, in a legal sense maybe, is expected to know.
- Who decides what safety issues are involved regarding the use of a language in business? What are the criteria?
- Who decides what is efficient when running a business?
- Language in business, and especially in a multi-cultural setting, should not be an “either or” issue, either Spanish or English, but both English and Spanish or what ever language.
- A reasonable shopper would expect to communicate in a language he or she understands. It is surprising if a shop does not make some effort to also communicate in English in an English speaking country. Of course, there are exceptions, maybe professional services, but I don’t think this includes retail outlets.

Comments:
- The fact that language is becoming a political issue suggests that language is going through a transition phase. Languages are no longer the exclusive domain of nationalism and culture, languages are now moving into the domain of global communication, global business and personal freedoms and independence.
- Is the language issue a communications issue or a political issue? If it is a political issue then there is a good chance of going down the slippery slope of discrimination and prejudice.
- Do customers have a duty to make an effort to communicate in the language of their business suppliers?
- Is a shop sign a matter of free speech or a matter of efficient communication with prospective customers?

Bottom Line:
What business can afford to exclude themselves from a large part of their potential customer base?

A good soccer defender in any language

A good soccer defender in any language

Country:
Spain

Source:
Woodgate shows his true worth in any language
By Peter Jenson
© The Times February 18, 2006


Jonathan Woodgate's £13.4m transfer to Real Madrid has been greeted with amazement - a genuine move out of the blue.
By Alan Hansen
Story from BBC SPORT:
Published: 2004/08/20 15:05:11 GMT
© BBC MMVI

Story:
Real Madrid defender, Jonathan Woodgate, is reported as saying that he has problems reading dossiers in Spanish given by his Spanish coach. Although the defender is trying to learn Spanish, he still needs help with any documentation.

The player is considered as one of the best in the game on the pitch.

Facts:
-The player’s transfer to the Madrid team cost £13.4m.
- Real Madrid is considered an international club with a number of overseas players.

Language Issues:
- Are there certain professional activities where language is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition?
- Shouldn’t an international company (club) that employs international players have a standard international language? Is this possible?
- Does a lack of skills in languages, in an international setting, reduce one’s professional effectiveness?
- Are there language depended professions and language independent professions?

Comments:
- How serious is this lack of direct communication between players and coach? Is there an impact factor on the team’s performance?
- How realistic is it to expect people to learn the language of the country they work in, especially if they move from country to country in pursuit of their career?

Bottom-Line:
Is there an impact to clubs if players can or cannot speak the language of their home base? Can this impact be modelled and financially estimated?

Native English speakers losing out to global spread of English

Native English speakers losing out to global spread of English

Country:
United Kingdom

Source:
Study says global spread of English threatens UK
I first saw the story on Reuters Website Feb 21, 2006 © Copyright Reuters 2006.
English Next (2006) By David Graddol available from the British Council website; PDF file
LINK
(http://www.britishcouncil.org/files/documents/learning-research-english-next.pdf)

Study says global spread of English threatens UK
Tue Feb 21, 2006 04:07 PM ET
LONDON (Reuters)
© Copyright Reuters 2006.

Report “English Next” commissioned by the British Council
written by David Graddol
http://www.britishcouncil.org/files/documents/learning-research-english-next.pdf
(all copyrights respected)

Story:
The language advantage of British and American native speakers is being undermined with the global spread of English. Countries and people who can speak English will become direct competitors to British and American companies.

UK and US companies are losing out because they lack skills in foreign languages. Countries that previously did not have English language skills are now conducting their business in English.

Facts:
- 2bn people are expected to speak English in the next decade.
- English teaching in the UK is worth about ₤1.3bn.
- Education related exports for Britain are worth ₤10bn.

Language Issues:
- English skills by non native speakers does not necessarily imply that they are proficient and efficient in business negotiating.
- English native speakers do not necessarily have the advantage since many speakers of English as a second language have problems understanding native speakers.
- English is only useful if foreign legal jurisdictions recognise legal documents and instruments in English. Documentation that has to be translated into other languages loses its importance as a primary source.

Comments:
- If it is true that 2bn people will be speaking English in a decade’s time, this must surely represent the larges market ever. Companies can communicate with this market in the same language.
- The global implications of two billion people being able to communicate with each other must be a benefit to the whole global economy. Exchange of information, better political communication, business opportunities cultural exchange.
- Monopolies have never been the best way to develop businesses and international commerce. Seeing language as the sole advantage in business, like cheap labour, is very short sighted.

Bottom-Line:
The main reason why British and American companies will lose in the global economy is because they have nothing to sell on global market. What will it take and how much will it take to keep Britain and the US competitive?