Business Language for a Global Economy

From APEC HRDWG Wiki

In 2010, APEC and SEAMEO RELC came together to organize a seminar, entitled "Language Education: An Essential for a Global Economy," that looked at how language and the global economy are closely intertwined.  For International Education Week 2010, APEC has expanded on the themes of the seminar to provide a guide for students and instructors interested in the critical importance of business language for strengthening business relations in a global context.

Today many societies and economies are dependent upon one another for their daily workings. Economies that have advantages in one area may trade with partners that have advantages in others. It is important for every student to know that business cannot function in isolation; the success of international business transactions depends on our ability to understand our partners, acknowledge differences between our customs and values and theirs, and adapt to achieve beneficial outcomes for all. Among the topics that every student of International Business must study are cross-cultural awareness, language for conducting business, and language policy that facilitates international business dealings. As a student of business, you must also have a broad understanding of the key concepts of globalization, internationalization, and international trade, and their relationship to global business in the 21st century. These topics are addressed in detail on the pages below.