Full Answer Section

• Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: This hypothesis suggests that language influences thought. In this scenario, the project manager’s use of American slang might hinder the international colleagues’ understanding. Their native languages might not have equivalent expressions, leading to confusion and misinterpretations. The way they think about the strategy could be shaped by their difficulty processing the language.  

• Bernstein Hypothesis: This hypothesis focuses on language codes and social class. While less directly applicable here (as the barrier is primarily language, not social class within a single language), it can still offer insights. The project manager is using an elaborated code (complex, nuanced language with assumed shared understanding of slang), while the international colleagues might be more comfortable with a restricted code (simpler, more direct language). This mismatch in codes can create a communication barrier.  

2. Thinking, Culture, and Language:

If thinking were entirely universal, everyone would interpret the world identically. However, culture and language act as filters and lenses through which we perceive reality.  

• Culture: Culture shapes our values, beliefs, and worldviews. It influences what we pay attention to, how we categorize information, and how we interpret events. For example, some cultures are more individualistic, while others are more collectivist, which affects how people think about relationships and responsibilities.  
• Language: Language provides the tools for thought. It influences how we categorize concepts, how we express ideas, and even how we perceive time and space. The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, in its stronger form, suggests language determines thought, while a weaker version argues it influences thought. For example, languages with different ways of expressing time (e.g., some languages have no past/future tense) might influence how speakers perceive the concept of time.  

3. Restricted vs. Elaborated Codes (Bernstein):

• Restricted Code: Characterized by simple, direct language, often used within close-knit groups where shared context is high. Communication is implicit, with much left unsaid. Think of conversations between close family members or friends.
• Elaborated Code: Characterized by complex, nuanced language, used when shared context is low or when communicating with people outside one’s immediate social group. Communication is explicit, with all necessary information conveyed verbally. Think of formal presentations or academic writing.  

Bernstein argued that access to and use of these codes is linked to social class, with the middle class having greater access to elaborated codes, which are often required for success in education and professional settings.  

4. Foreign Language Skills in Business:

Knowledge of a foreign language is crucial in positions that involve:

• International Sales/Marketing: Building relationships with clients, negotiating contracts, and understanding cultural nuances.  
• Global Business Development: Identifying new markets, conducting market research, and adapting products/services to local needs.  
• Translation/Interpretation: Facilitating communication between different language speakers in meetings, conferences, and written materials.  
• Customer Service (Multilingual): Providing support to customers who speak different languages, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.  

These positions require effective communication across cultures, and language proficiency is essential for building trust, understanding cultural sensitivities, and avoiding costly misunderstandings.  

5. Vocabulary Equivalence:

• Between Languages: Two languages rarely have perfect vocabulary equivalence. Words may have overlapping meanings, but they rarely align perfectly. For example, the English word “run” has many different meanings (running a race, running a business, a run in a stocking), and other languages might use different words for each of these. This makes direct translation challenging.  
• Within a Language: Even within the same language, words can have multiple meanings (polysemy) or subtle shades of meaning (connotations). For example, “hot” can refer to temperature, attractiveness, or spiciness. This can lead to misunderstandings, especially if the context is not clear or if the speaker and listener have different interpretations of the word. This is why clarifying definitions and using specific language is essential for effective communication.