| Chapter 2: | The Challenge of Globalization |
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immigrants in their new environment. Immigration, a vital force in many nations, and a result of the borderless world, presents special problems. He further stated that there are few better tools of integration than culture, and that it empowers minorities, immigrants, and helps persuade nations that ethnic diversity is positive.
Cultural Communication
One who is engaged in global affairs of any kind must not forget the importance of language. Dawson (1967) stated that language lies at the root of culture, and that culture and language are inseparable aspects of the same process.
Victor (1992) noted that there are at least 2,796 languages spoken on planet earth. A person could never begin to learn all the critical languages of the world, but the person engaged in global affairs should have knowledge of the “critical language” of the people with whom business is being transacted. “Critical language” is defined as that which is not the native tongue of the speaker, but which is necessary for successful communication both verbally and nonverbally with a client, colleague or associate.
According to Hall (1976), cultural communications are deeper and more complex than spoken or written messages. The essence of cross-cultural communication might have more to do with releasing the right responses rather than sending the right messages.
The Impact of Globalization
Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary (1964) defines intercultural as occurring between or relating to two or more cultures. With the rapidly changing world, international corporations have found it necessary to minimize the rate of misunderstanding due to miscommunication, either verbally or non-verbally. In the 1960s, organizations were training people of different cultures to get along with each other. In order to do so, one was trained for intercultural communication.
Webster’s New World College Dictionary (1996) defines the word “globalize” as to organize or establish worldwide. However, globalization