A Study on Developing Cross-Cultural Communication Skills in Business English

Abstract

This study investigates the development of cross-cultural communication skills in Business English education, which is crucial for navigating the choppy waters of global business interactions. Using a qualitative research approach, it takes a close look at current teaching practices through classroom observations, instructor interviews, and teaching material analysis at the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova. The findings show that while Business English courses are starting to see the light regarding the importance of cross-cultural communication, there are still bumps in the road when it comes to effectively weaving these skills into the curriculum. Instructors are pulling out all the stops with strategies like role-plays and case studies, but they still face hurdles such as diverse student backgrounds, limited resources and a limited number of hours. The work suggests a framework for boosting cross-cultural communication in Business English curricula, especially for the International Relations Faculty, highlighting the need for culturally diverse content and more practical exercises that reflect real-world business scenarios. This research adds to the field by offering a treasure trove of insights into best practices and suggesting ways to improve Business English programs to better prepare learners for the demands of a globalized business world. UDC: [811.111:334.7]:371.3; JEL: A23.