English for Professional Communication

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2. Cross-Cultural Communication and Accents

English for Professional Communication 2. Cross-Cultural Communication and Accents
LEADERBOARD
  1. #1 gunadi 61
  2. #2 Esa Siliwangi 10
  3. #3 Rustian 1
My Points:
A. Objective: Learn how to communicate effectively across cultures and handle accents.

2. Cross-Cultural Communication and Accents by Gunadi Rustian

1. Opening Small Talk:

  1. Have you worked with people from other countries?
  2. How do you feel about speaking with people from different cultures?
  3. Do you find some accents hard to understand?
  4. Do you know anyone with a strong accent?
  5. Have you ever had a misunderstanding with someone from a different culture?
  6. What is important when talking to people from other countries?
  7. Do you like learning about different cultures?
  8. Have you traveled to another country for work?
  9. How do you deal with accents you don’t understand?
  10. Do you think people speak English differently in other countries?

2. Reading Passage:


Choose the best answers for the following questions:

4. Discussion:

  1. Should companies change their message for each country they sell to? Why?
  2. How important is it to understand accents in a global business?
  3. Why do you think some people are afraid to ask for clarification?
  4. Should companies train their employees to understand different accents?

5. Activities:

 Each student will share a short 2-minute story about an experience they had speaking with someone from another country. Focus on describing any problems they had in communication or understanding accents. Other students will ask simple questions about the story.

 

6. Listening Extra

Listen to the following conversation and answer the questions.

transcription

Jane (American): Hi, Rajesh, I just wanted to check with you about the company gathering tomorrow. What time is it again?

Rajesh (Indian): It starts at five o’clock. But we should reach there by quarter to five.

Jane: Did you say “quarter to five” or “quarter after five”?

Rajesh: Quarter to five, before five o’clock.

Jane: Got it! And what should we bring? I heard something about food?

Rajesh: Yes, just bring some snacks. It’s casual, nothing too big—finger food, maybe chips.

Jane: Should we bring drinks?

Rajesh: Drinks will be there, no need to bring.

Jane: Alright, so snacks but not drinks. Got it. And will anyone give a speech?

Rajesh: Yes, the manager will give a speech at the beginning, but after that, it’s casual, just talking and enjoying.

Jane: Oh, okay. What time does it end?

Rajesh: It should end around nine, but it might go a little late, maybe ten.

Jane: Right, between nine and ten. Thanks, Rajesh!

Rajesh: You’re welcome, Jane. If you need anything else, let me know.

7. Language Focus

Question Formation and Polite Requests to Confirm Misunderstanding

1. Question Formation

In professional settings, forming questions clearly and appropriately is crucial for effective communication. Here are some common question types:

a. Yes/No Questions
These questions can be answered with “yes” or “no.” They often start with auxiliary verbs like “do,” “does,” “is,” “are,” “can,” or “will.”

Examples:

  • “Do you have experience with project management?”
  • “Is your department handling the marketing strategy?”
  • “Can you provide more details about the proposal?”

b. Wh-Questions
These questions ask for specific information and usually start with “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,” or “how.”

Examples:

  • “What is your role in the project?”
  • “Where is the meeting scheduled to take place?”
  • “How does your team approach problem-solving?”

c. Clarification Questions
These questions are used to confirm or clarify information and avoid misunderstandings. They often start with phrases like “Could you clarify…” or “Can you confirm…”

Examples:

  • “Could you clarify what you meant by ‘deliverables’?”
  • “Can you confirm if the deadline is next Monday?”
  • “Just to confirm, you said the report is due by Friday, correct?”

2. Polite Requests to Confirm Misunderstanding

When confirming information or clarifying doubts, it’s important to be polite and professional. Here are some ways to phrase such requests:

a. Using “Could” or “Can”

  • “Could you please confirm the details of the project?”
  • “Can you clarify whether the meeting starts at 10 AM or 11 AM?”

b. Using “I’m sorry” or “Excuse me”

  • “I’m sorry, but could you repeat the deadline date?”
  • “Excuse me, I didn’t catch that. Are we meeting on Tuesday or Wednesday?”

c. Using “Just to make sure”

  • “Just to make sure, we’re discussing the budget for next quarter, right?”
  • “Just to confirm, you need the report by end of day, correct?”

Answer the following questions

D. End Section (Writing): Write a brief summary of cross-cultural communication challenges.

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