Language + Culture = Effective Communication: How Much Intercultural Competence Do Business English Teachers Need?

Kirsten Waechter 
(Business English and Intercultural Trainer in Germany)

Abstract: Teaching Business English in the context of international business and globalisation puts more strain on Business English teachers than ever before. This essay will analyse the current situation and the direction into which Business English is heading: (1) the need to integrate cultural aspects into language teaching; (2) the need to teach communication strategies as communication does not fail for linguistic reasons alone; (3) how this can be achieved even when the teacher is not a qualified intercultural specialist. This article will also give some advice on how to prepare own materials, and analyse published materials and their use for the classroom.

Key words: communication, intercultural, Business English, role of teacher