Discussing Snow with the Eskimos: A Course on Language Issues in Multicultural Business

Abstract

This paper begins with an investigation of past research regarding interdisciplinary teaching efforts at the college level, especially those in which the business school has joined together with colleagues in the humanities. A description follows of an in terdisciplinary course, one which combined the fields of linguistics and marketing. Merging these disciplines allowed students and faculty to explore issues such as: language diversity, including the world’s various “Englishes,” product labeling and branding, negotiation styles, and language issues in global advertising. Suggestions are included for those who wish to offer a similar course at their institution.