Limits of a Second Language: Native and Second Languages in Management Team Communication

Abstract

Cultural differences in speech acts are common challenges in management involving Chinese and Western managers. Comparing four groups – Native-speaking Chinese, English-speaking Chinese, Chinese-speaking Westerners, and non-Chinese- speaking Westerners, we assessed the effects of language and ethnicity on the ability to predict communication obstacles in a management team scenario. Bilingual subjects were less likely to be influenced by ethnic biases. Still, bilinguals were not more likely to adjust their metacognitions about communication toward those of the native speakers. The study creates a link between management, cognition and linguistics, as well as having consequences for the study of metacognition in cross-cultural management.

Functioning of the Ukrainian Language as State: The Role of New Media in Modern Conflicts

“…Language changes with the development of human civilization. It is clear that the most obvious culturally dependent obstacle to intercultural management at the present stage is language differences, which entail the need to communicate in several languages, and thus to take advantage of adaptive advantages (Arnulf et al, 2021). The tradition of transmitting linguistic experience from generation to generation, the creative refraction of cultural heritage in history actively influence the historical destinies of nations, as they create the foundation for the unity of people in the ideals they embody.…”