32 Get ready! @ Before you read the passage, talk about these questions. 1 How can differences between cultures affect business interactions? 2. What are some ways to avoid mmisunderstandings in intemational business? eee ees The firs thing an intemational business person should do is research. You should know ‘everything you can about the culture of the country you are doing businoss with. Most important, you shouid understand your host's. ‘expectations. Aiways use your best manners When in a foreign place. Research carefully. you dont, you could offend your clents by accident. Itis abvays important to research customary foims of address. For instance, in many Asian Countries itis customary to address people by ther position and their surame. Caling someone by their frst name at a business ‘meeting could be a serious gafte. ‘To avoid mistakes, i is offen wise to use a translator. Sill, try to learn a few words in Yyour host countrys language. This shows that Yyou are respectful of thoir cuture, It is also important to research nonverbal communication, A gesture that is crdinary in ‘one culture may be deeply offensivo in another To avoid those kinds of misunderstandings, interational business people must be aware of cultural differences. mom | = ' translator ernie =< = Manager owner 4 Director Position ) 15 Businesses in Different Cultures Reading @ Read the article. Then, choose the correct answers. 1 What is article mainly about? ‘A ways to make international clients feel comfortable at your office B how to avoid hiring translators when conducting international business © the importance of researching customs before Intemational travel D the role of verbal end non-verbal communications in different countries 2. Which of the following is NOT recommended in the article? A learning some of your host's language B understanding the expectations of your business contacts © knowing everything you can about foreign cultures D_ avoiding gestures and nonverbal communication 3 Who can you infer is the intended audience of the article? A. people who want to invest in foreign businesses B people who travel to other countries on business © people who want to relocate to another country D people who want to market their products internationally Vocabulary © Fill in the blanks with the correct words or phrases from the word bank. translator expectations offend byaccident gaffe gesture nonverbal position foreign respectful address 1. tis important to be aware of cultural 2. Acknowledge people of the highest rank or 3 Be ___f others, even if they confuse you 4 Be sure to leaders by their propor tiles. 5 If you make a(n) , be sure to apologize. 6 You should consider hing a(n) 7 Even what seems like an ordinary could be offensive. 8 ‘customs can be challenging to lear, 9. Choose your words and your ‘cues carefully. 10 Be especially careful not to your host. 11 Ifyou offend someone . it may be easily forgiven