The Business of Language issue 36 - special EDL issue - September 2010
Welcome to this special European Day of Languages issue of the Business of Language, the free bi-monthly ezine from the Regional Language Network West Midlands. In this issue we look at the events taking place to celebrate EDL on 26 September and give you a few ideas on how to mark the occasion.
What is EDL and how can we celebrate? 
European Day of Languages, a Council of Europe initiative, is held every year on 26th September to celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity.
EDL is marked in 45 countries across Europe and has three main aims:
- To make the public aware of the importance of language learning and intercultural understanding
- To promote the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe
- To encourage lifelong language learning both in and out of school
Since 2001 countries across Europe have been celebrating EDL by holding special events. Everyone from schools to businesses, community groups to individuals are invited to join in the celebrations and whilst they won't promise to make you a polyglot in just one day, you will certainly widen your horizons and have some fun at the same time!
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The European Day of Languages is a great time for setting language goals. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate the day:
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Whatever your job you can organise something to get tongues wagging, in different languages, at work. 75% of adults in the UK think it is good to speak another language so you could take this opportunity to do something about it.
If you are planning an event at work and want to publicise it you can add the details to the events listings on the Council of Europe Events Calendar.
Contemporary gallery owner demonstrates importance of languages when dealing with international artists and customers "To some extent international art sells itself but it makes such a difference if you can welcome a visitor in their own language and give them a bit of basic information about the art and the artist. It really sends a signal that you are interested in them and are prepared to make the effort." Lee says. For more information and to read the full case study please visit our website.
De-coding the mystery of international gift-giving Embarking on international business can be a daunting and time consuming task. There are so many things to consider aside from the actual 'doing business' - for example, how should you address people, what should you wear and what are the expected behaviours, ideals and customs associated with that particular country? One element that can catch people out is gift-giving - should you do it? and if so, what would make an appropriate gift? An interesting article in the news recently, by etiquette expert Pamela Eyring, could help us to decode the mysteries behind international gift-giving. Giving gifts demonstrates respect and appreciation and can help to build up a strong business relationship, but a poorly chosen gift will do more damage than good. Pamela suggests that you should "Make it appropriate. Unlike a personal gift, a business gift is a symbol of your relationship." "Avoid overly expensive gifts - this may give the appearance of bribery plus it will put your business associate in the uncomfortable position of having to decline it." She adds. Pamela also recommends that you avoid giving anything that bears your company logo as it is considered ostentatious in some cultures. Instead you could perhaps offer something "informative and culturally relevant and that can be easily transported." It is not just the gift that you have to consider but also the manner in which it is offered as this will vary from culture to culture. For example, should you use one hand or two hands to present the gift and when is the most appropriate time to offer it? In some cultures it is considered polite to refuse a gift several times before accepting it and in others, it is considered greedy to open a gift in the present of the person who has presented it. As Pamela advises: "By taking the time to research the traditions and customs of your recipient's homeland you will avoid unintentional embarrassment or offence." To read the full story please visit the Yahoo News website. To find out more about the cultures and traditions of other countries please visit our website where you can download a series of cultural briefings. Find out more about employment opportunities at German Careers Fair As part of the 'Think German' campaign to promote and celebrate German as a foreign language, a Careers Fair will take place at the German Embassy, 23 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PZ, on 21 October 2010 from 12 noon to 6pm. This fair, which is being organised jointly with the German-British Chamber of Industry and Commerce, is directed at school and university students, who will have the chance at this event to make first contacts with representatives of German companies and British companies with business links to Germany and to inform themselves about employment opportunities at these companies. The event is free of charge. For more information please visit the Think German website.
Catch up with the latest language news and events If you would like to find out more about the language stories in the news or get the details of language events taking place in the region why not visit our website? Here you can catch up with the latest language news and language events or you can contact us if you have details of any events that you are holding and we can arrange to publicise them on our website.
If you are interested in finding out more about how West Midlands businesses are selling overseas why not check out the latest addition to the case studies page on our website, featuring Number Nine The Gallery - a Birmingham based contemporary gallery selling glass, ceramics and sculptures to international customers and representing artists from all over the world. Owner, Lee Benson (pictured left), makes good use of his language and cultural skills to promote the gallery and make both artists and clients feel welcome.
