2. Робота з текстом Business Communication

Basics of Intercultural Business Communication

As Bill Davila knows, the first step in learning to communicate with people from other cultures is to become aware of what culture means. Our awareness of intercultural differences is both useful and necessary in today's world of business.

Business Etiquette in Different Countries Around the World

In this article we will present you some of the business etiquette in different countries around the world. Depending on how you behave and how you dress, you can leave a good impression or, conversely, a poor one, to your bussiness foreign partners.

It is good to know that in European countries, but also in Latin America, both women and men must wear refined suits and stylish and fashionable accessories. Unlike these regions, on the Asias continent and in the Middle East, businessmen are more appreciated if they have a more sober dress and the colors used are the dark ones. Below we will detail this information, pointing out each country.

For example, in Argentina, the more you have a vivid dress, with powerful, sharp colors, the more you will be  in tune with local preferences. It is also advisable to wear such costumes in order to attract attention. On the other hand, you should not feel embarrassed if Argentines will touch you lightly on the shoulder or arm when talking to you. This is one of their customs through which they show respect and appreciation.

The situation is similar in Brazil, the place where  wearing the same bright and attractive colors is a good sign. The people there love to stand out even through the violation of standard rules of behavior, meaning they are much more libertine and more independent than other nations.

If you ever encounter businesses in Japan, then you should know that it is mandatory for you to to accept the Japanese’s invitations to coffee, tea or anything else they would propose to you. Otherwise, you show a lack of respect that will deeply sadden your Asian friends. Also, alcoholic beverages such as whiskey are highly appreciated by people there. Regarding the dress code in Japan, wearing simple clothes in darker colors should be just fine. If you are a woman, it is best to avoid wearing pants, and it’s better to opt for an elegant suit.

In Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia or Qatar, women have to be accompanied by a man during the business meetings. Without a man, the chances of success in what they proposed decrease significantly. Regarding the apparel, both males and females should avoid short clothes or  those that stand out. Traditional costumes are the best suited and they may represent a key to success in bussiness. Also, what you have to remember is that on Fridays, Muslims do not work, because these days are devoted to prayers. Last but not least, avoid friendly gestures, such as subtle touch on the arm and if you are female, do not reach out to a man’s hand when you want to greet him, but expect him to do so first. As for gifts, never give alcohol to Muslims, because to them it may  represent an offense.

In Sweden, businessmen wear formal clothing. The calm and cold attitude of the Nordic people is well known, so avoid too polite and friendly gestures. Try to keep visual contact with Swedes throughout the discussions with them. This is how you show them that you are in control and know exactly what you want. Do not let your emotions overwhelm you, because they will sense it.

The French are a nation for whom it is advisable to have a more reserved attitude because of the unpredictability of their character. You never know when they move from one mood to another, so it’s best to remain calm and cautious in dealing with the business.

Unlike the situation in Muslim countries, if you have a bussiness to solve in Russia, you should know that you may not refuse the drink that the locals offer you in a traditional way. Otherwise, they will perceive the gesture as an insult and most likely you will not be able to maintain a good bussiness relationship with them.

Difficulties of Intercultural Business Communication

Language barriers Cultural differences Religion and values Roles and status, Concepts of personal space Body language Social behavior and manners

LET'S HAVE A CHAT

Ex. 1. Answer the following questions.

1. Why is it important to understand cultural differences when you do business with people in other countries?

2. How can businessmen develop understanding doing business with people from other countries?

3. It is necessary to learn the principles of international communi­cation and apply them globally. However, we face cultural dif­ferences in different countries.

Ex. 2. True or False.

Cultural differences influence business strategies and operations. Understanding them is difficult to overestimate.

Many of these cultures are complex and different from ours. To be successful in international business means to be good citizens of international community.

We should learn to honour and respect our own cultures and to develop tolerance and respect for other cultures.

No one can learn all there is to know about a foreign culture. But to show an interest means to create a climate of understanding and respect. The mere willingness to accept differences is of great impor­tance.

Робота над текстом за професійним спрямуванням.

The History of Basketball

I am going to tell you about one of the most popular games. It is basketball.

The game of basketball has evolved a great deal throughout the years. Basketball was invented on December 21,1891. The inventor of the game was a Canadian clergyman, James Naismith.

The game of basketball was fashioned from fragments of other games, seeking to eliminate flaws of rugby, soccer.

Basketball was first played in the United States. In fact, the first game was played at one training school, now called Springfield College.

Basketball is a simple game. The equipment used in the game is also very simple. In addition to the field itself, all that is needed for a game is a ball. The very first ball that was used was a soccer ball until 1894 when an actual «basketball» was invented. The basketball ball was slightly smaller, about 30 inches in diameter. The first baskets that were used, were two peach baskets hung from the balcony of the gymnasium.

In 1893, the backboard was invented. The first backboard was constructed out of wire mesh, then wood and now it is made out of glass so the backboard does not interfere with the viewing of the game. Around that time, there was no name for this game.

By 1906, the peach baskets were replaced by metal baskets with holes in the bottom. This was better than in the early days, when a ladder was used to climb and fetch the ball out of the basket. Finally, in 1913 a hoop with a net was invented. In my opinion, the invention of the hoop and net was a major step in the developing of the game of basketball. Due to the free falling ball, the game's tempo increased, which allowed the game of basketball to develop even more.

In 1921, one man named the game «basketball» and it has been called basketball ever since.

In the very beginning Naismith introduced thirteen original rules for the game of basketball, in which 12 out of the 13 original rules were still used up to 1934. The only rule, which changed, was that a player was now allowed to dribble a basketball. The rule of dribbling the basketball was first used in 1896 at a basketball game at Yale University. With the introduction of the 13 original rules, Naismith created four fundamental principals, which stayed in the game from 1891to 1937. These four fundamental principals stated, players with the ball must not make progress, the goal is above the head of the players, roughness is eliminated and a player may not receive the ball by use of contact.

Through the years of 1891 to the 1940's there were many rule changes as well as addition of rules to the game of basketball. By 1898, basketball leagues were starting to form in the United States. In 1898, professional basketball was being played. The league was called the National Basketball League (NBL). The National Basketball League was made up of four teams like New York, Philadelphia, Brooklyn and New Jersey.

By 1932 basketball was officially gaining international status with the founding of the International Amateur Basketball Federation in Geneva, Switzerland. In 1946, the Basketball Association of America was formed but it did not go far well because it was competing against the National Basketball League. But in 1949, the Basketball Association of America and the National Basketball League joined together.

They changed their name to the National Basketball Association (NBA). Throughout the formation of the league there were many rules that were added to the game of basketball In 1930's, Kenny Sailor invented the jump shot. Also in the 1940's, Bob Kurland used block- shots. In 1952 the foul lane was widened and the three-second rule was put into affect, so centres could not station themselves in front of the basket all the time. During the 1950's the National Basketball Association was on the rise. During the 1970's and 198G's the expansion of the NBA had gone wild. In the mid 1980's and early 1990's Michael Jordan, who was one of the greatest players in NBA history, dominated the game and took it to a wholly new level.

At this time, basketball was increasing in popularity. Nowadays it is played by 176 nations.

Vocabulary:

to evolve — еволюціонувати

to invent — винаходити, створювати, придумувати

clergyman— священик

to fashion — створити, сформувати

to eliminate — усувати, виключати

flaw — недолік

rugby — регбі (тж. Rugby football)

soccer — футбол (за правилами Національної асоціації футболістів Великобританії)

basket — корзина

slightly — мало, трохи, несуттєво, трохи, злегка

inch — дюйм ( = 2,5 см)

peach — персик

to hang (past, hung, p.p. hung) — вішати, підвішувати

bottom — низ, нижня частина

ladder — сходи

to climb — підійматися, влізати

to fetch — дістати

hoop — кільце, обід

net — сітка

to develop — розвивати

due to — завдяки

tempo — ритм, темп

to increase — зростати, збільшувати(ця); рости

backboard — баскетбольний щит

wire mesh — дротяна сітка

to interfere — служити перешкодою, заважати

to dribble — вести м’яча

roughness — грубість

to gain — отримувати, придбавати; домагатися

amateur — любитель

Geneva — місто Женева

Switzerland — Швейцарія

to compete — змагатися

to join — приєднатися, об'єднатися

jump shot — кидок м'яча в стрибку

block- shot — блок-шот

foul lane — штрафна зона

to put into affect — ввести в дію, задіяти

rise — підвищення, підйом

expansion — поширення, експансія; ріст, розвиток

Questions:

1. When was the game of basketball invented?

2. Where was the first game of basketball played?

3. What was the first basketball ball?

4. When was an actual «basketball» ball invented?

5. When were basketball hoop and net invented?

6. How many original rules were there in the game of basketball when it was invented?

7. When was the first professional basketball match played?

8. When did the game of basketball officially gain its international status?

9. How and when did the National Basketball Association appear?

10. Who invented the jump shot?

11. When was the three-point line introduced?

Граматичний матеріал: Повторення вивченого матеріалу. Simple, Continuous Tenses.

Ex. 1. Complete the sentences using the following verbs:

cause(s)       connect(s)       drink(s)        live(s)       open(s)     speak(s)       take(s)

1.    Tanya  speaks  German very well. 2.    I don't often ____________ coffee. 3.    The swimming pool ____________ at 7.30 every morning. 4.    Bad driving ____________ many accidents. 5.    My parents ____________ in a very small flat. 6.    The Olympic Games ____________ place every four years. 7.    The Panama Canal ____________ the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Ex. 2. Complete the sentences with I'll + a suitable verb. 1. I"m too tired to walk home. I think   I'll take   a taxi. 2. 'It's cold in this room.'    'Is it? ______________ on the heating then.' 3. A: We haven't got any milk.     B: Oh, I forgot to buy some. ______________ and get some now. 4. 'Shall I do the washing-up?'    'No. it's all right. ______________ it later.' 5. I don't know how to use this computer.'    'OK, ______________ you.' 6. 'Would you like tea or coffee?'   '______________ coffee, please.' 7. 'Goodbye! Have a nice holiday.'    'Thanks. ______________ you a postcard.' 8.  Thanks for letting me borrow your camera. ______________ it back to you on Monday, OK? 9.  'Are you coming with us?'    'No, I think ______________ here.'

Ex. 3. Complete the sentences. Put the verb into the correct form, positive or negative. 1. It was warm, so I  took  off my coat.  (take) 2. The film wasn't very good. I  didn't enjoy  it very much.  (enjoy) 3. I knew Sarah was very busy, so I ____________ her.  (disturb) 4. I was very tired, so I ____________ the party early.  (leave) 5. The bed was very uncomfortable. I ____________ very well.  (sleep) 6. The window was open and a bird ____________ into the room.  (fly) 7. The hotel wasn't very expensive. It ____________ very much.  (cost) 8. I was in a hurry, so I ____________ time to phone you.  (have) 9. It was hard carrying the bags. They ____________ very heavy.  (be)

Домашнє завдання:

1. Опрацювати текст за професійним спрямуванням.

2. Опрацювати граматичний матеріал, виконати запропоновані вправи.