On the Importance of Business English
In business English teaching, some English teachers only pay attention to language knowledge and skills, but ignore the involvement of business culture, which makes language and culture out of touch. However, all aspects of business English involve cultural differences between China and the West. If this issue is ignored in trade practice, many differences will arise, which is not conducive to the smooth conclusion of the transaction. Li Taizhi clearly pointed out that cultivating healthy business culture awareness is beneficial to business English learning, and put forward suggestions to strengthen business culture awareness. Chen Bangguo and Ke also emphasized the need to strengthen business culture infiltration in business English teaching. In today's economic globalization, the ultimate goal of business English teaching is to cultivate compound talents who not only understand international business rules but also master the cultural characteristics of all nationalities in the world. Whether we can cross cultural barriers and avoid cultural conflicts is the key to the smooth development of international business activities. Therefore, it is more and more important to strengthen the cultivation of business culture awareness in business English teaching. 1. 1 Business culture in business English is deeply rooted in language, which contains rich cultural factors. There are differences in business traditions and customs, business etiquette and habits among different nationalities and countries. In English and Chinese languages and cultures, some business English words and expressions seem to be the same as Chinese words and expressions, but their meanings are different. This is the difference between language and culture. 1.2 Cultural phenomena in business English Different nationalities have different orientations for different values. In business culture, different countries have different customs and habits. For example, the business people in our China company usually hand over a cigarette when they meet foreign businessmen. In China, it is polite and friendly to offer a cigarette to guests, while in foreign countries, especially in Europe and America, many people are against smoking. It is impolite to pass cigarettes to guests. For another example, different countries and different nationalities have different gift-giving rules. In Britain, it is unnecessary for customers to invite you to dinner and bring gifts. If you want to bring wine, ask the host what kind of wine he likes in advance, as long as it is suitable. On the contrary, in Japan, when you are invited to eat at home, it is impolite to go without a gift, and it will be considered reckless. If you ask in advance what gift you need to give, you will be considered rude. This cultural phenomenon can be seen everywhere in business English.