Culture speaks louder than words

11/05/2008 by stefi.

Appreciating that individuals from different cultural backgrounds have different cultural customs, business etiquette and expectations is vital for success in international business.
Newcastle-based company Williams Language Solutions has just developed a guide on dos and don’ts when travelling abroad in 10 different countries, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Russia, Hungary, USA, Japan, the Netherlands, and Tunisia. “In cultural terms, we explain the best ways to make contact, host a meeting, enjoy a meal of visit the factory or offices abroad”, says Managing Director Stefania Williams.“ The knowledge of cultural differences is also important when meeting foreign guests at home. Nobody wants to offend others unintentionally, and our guides teach those little culture p’s and q’s which are vital in business”.
Each guide was prepared by a linguist consultant with marketing and sales experience in the country with the specific goal of raising awareness about cultural diversities. The guides are available in paperback or downloadable, ideal for internet use and intranet sites, and are also used as part of the cultural awareness training offered by the Company to businesses.
“Business etiquette is part of the cultural marketing programme offered to our clients, together with translations of press releases, catalogues, company documents, and most importantly, localisation of websites. The internet is serving as an international business medium; if you reach the rest of the world with your website your hope is that the rest of the world will then respond in some way, and you must be prepared to it.”
According to Stefania, a linguist should always be consulted when creating a new brand name or logo. She explains that Gerber, the name of a baby food maker, is also a French word for vomiting. “Simple faux pas can sink you,” she says. Learning the customs and culture of a foreign country signals communication competence and shows a great respect for others. Culture speaks louder than words.
For further information on the Travel dos and don’ts guides, contact Stefania Williams at 01912860612 or visit www.translate-it.org.

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