TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re[2]: Universal comprehension of English From:"Arlen P. Walker" <Arlen -dot- P -dot- Walker -at- JCI -dot- COM> Date:Mon, 13 Mar 1995 11:00:00 -0600
Let me contribute one other thought to this thread before I start deleting it on
sight.
Let's say someone comes to you looking for a business deal. What kind of
impression does it make on you if the people wanting your business can't be
bothered to learn anything about your language or your customary way of doing
business?
To me, it marks them as arrogant, and I quickly decide to never, if economically
possible, do business with them. On the other hand, if they show me they have at
least made an effort (perhaps even a misguided one) to learn my language (even
to the extent of a short greeting, and an acknowledgement that I can speak their
language better than they can speak mine, so we should probably proceed in
theirs) it makes me think that just perhaps they place a high value on our
proposed deal, and I'll be more disposed to work with them, perhaps even to the
point of giving up a more lucrative deal with the arrogant fools first
mentioned.
I've purposely left out any mention of which language is which, because I think
a very simple rule should prevail. The person being asked for their business
should be given the "home field" advantage. If a Japanese company wants to come
to do business in the US, they had better learn the way we do things over here,
and at least make an effort to adapt. Likewise, if an American company wants to
do business in Japan, they should take the time and effort to learn the way
things are done over there. (I'm using American and Japanese as examples simply
because they seem to be the ones used most often. You could equally well
substitute any two countries.)
Simply put, speak the language of the people you want the money from. Things are
tight enough that any edge you can get in an open competition is worth the
effort. Perhaps it won't win you the contract. But refusing to even try will
probably lose it for you.
Incidentally, try your "Universal Business Language" in Quebec City and see how
well you win friends and influence people for your business.
Have fun,
Arlen
Chief Managing Director In Charge, Department of Redundancy Department
DNRC 24
Arlen -dot- P -dot- Walker -at- JCI -dot- Com
----------------------------------------------
In God we trust; all others must provide data.
----------------------------------------------
