William, VP of Operations, is talking via telephone with Javier, GM of the Mexico City plant, about an agreement William thought
had been made several weeks ago. English is Javier's second language. What does the language difference represent that can make communication more complex
Language as a complex phenomenon involves the interweaving of many components that affect its use in communication and the interpretation of spoken or written language structures. Apart from, of course, linguistic components such as morphosyntax and semantics, it is also necessary to take into account the cultural component, especially when it comes to communication in foreign languages, which makes communication even more complex.
Explanation:
Awareness of the importance of a cultural component in communication in a foreign language is particularly relevant to communication in English if one considers that this language has become the modern language of global communication (lingua franca). Specifically, speakers who use English as a foreign language in communication engage in verbal interaction with both non-native English speakers and native speakers of English. Participants in such communication retain the characteristics of their linguistic and cultural identity, but they must also take into account the cultural patterns of speakers of other languages.
