Language Awareness in Business and the Professions

Language is a crucial skill in business and professional life, and this book demonstrates how understanding the minutiae of language use in various contexts leads to knowledge that empowers future generations of professionals and enables them to develop a self-reflexive, critical, and more ethical practice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 239 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Language is a powerful tool that shapes our perception of reality and plays a crucial role in achieving political influence and control. While the significance of language in understanding social realities and power relations has been recognized in scholarship, its impact on education and research beyond linguistically focused academic strands has yet to be fully realized. This book brings together renowned scholars from diverse disciplines to explore the importance of language awareness and discourse consciousness in business and professional life.

The authors argue that language proficiency is essential for success in today's globalized world, where communication across cultures and languages is a necessity. They demonstrate how understanding the nuances of language use in various professional contexts can lead to knowledge that empowers future generations of professionals and enables them to develop a self-reflexive, critical, and more ethical practice.

The book examines language in areas such as entrepreneurship, leadership, human resource management, medical, financial, or business communication, ecology, media, and politics. The authors highlight the ways in which language influences decision-making, communication strategies, and power dynamics within these contexts. They also explore the ethical implications of language use and provide practical strategies for developing language skills and promoting language awareness.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of cultural competence in professional settings. The authors argue that language is not just a means of communication but also a vehicle for cultural expression and understanding. They emphasize the need for professionals to develop a deep appreciation of different cultures and languages to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and build strong relationships.

Another important aspect of the book is the role of language in shaping public opinion and political discourse. The authors explore how language is used to manipulate public perception, create propaganda, and shape political agendas. They provide insights into the strategies used by politicians, media outlets, and social movements to influence public opinion and advocate for their causes.

The book also addresses the challenges faced by non-native speakers in professional settings. The authors argue that language barriers can create significant barriers to career advancement and that non-native speakers need to develop strategies to overcome these challenges. They provide practical advice on language learning, communication strategies, and cultural adaptation to help non-native speakers succeed in their professional endeavors.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for professionals, educators, and researchers interested in understanding the role of language in shaping our reality and achieving political influence and control. It provides a comprehensive exploration of language in various professional contexts and offers practical strategies for developing language skills and promoting language awareness. By recognizing the power of language, we can better equip ourselves to navigate the complex social and political landscapes of our time and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world.

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108735964