Chapter Objectives

After studying this chapter, you will be able to:

1. Discuss two trends that have made intercultural business communication so important
   
   
2. Define culture and subculture, and list culture's four basic characteristics
   
   
3. Explain the importance of recognizing cultural differences, delineate the differences between high- and low-context cultures, and list four categories of cultural differences
   
   
4. Define ethnocentrism and stereotyping; then discuss three suggestions for overcoming this limiting mind-set
   
   
5. Discuss three ways to improve communication with people who speak English as a second language; then discuss three ways to improve communication with people who don't speak your language at all
   
   
6. Explain why studying other cultures helps you communicate more effectively, and list at least seven of the fifteen tips offered by successful intercultural businesspeople
   
   
7. Illustrate how word choice affects communication with people from other cultures; then list six recommendations for writing more effectively and nine guidelines for speaking across cultures more effectively