Discussion 2.2: Lost in Translation

Languages rarely translate on a word-for-word basis. When doing business in the global marketplace, it is important to choose words that communicate a single idea clearly.

List 2 examples of slang or idioms you use or know. Next to each example, suggest other words you might use to convey the same message. Make sure the alternatives mean exactly the same as the original slang or idiom. Explain why you think these words or phrases would cause a communication problem when conducting business with individuals that do not speak the same language as you and have different cultural backgrounds.

For example, if a U.S. executive tells an Egyptian executive that a change in the plans has ?really thrown us a curve ball,? chances are that communication will fail because that is an idiom that is common in the United States, but not Egypt.