Understanding language and ‘culture’ at work. Taking stock and looking ahead

This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book discusses the role of language and the different orders of 'culture' at work. It illustrates discrepancy between culture₁ and culture₂ with regard to the topics of face and politeness, decision making and leadership. The book suggests that the ways of combining first- and second-order notions of culture when analysing issues of identity, gender and work–life balance. It demonstrates how interlocutors set up and negotiate specific subject positions for themselves and each other throughout an interaction. The three aspects of culture₂ all have an impact on participants' interactional behaviours. It is very important to acknowledge the more local and emergent nature of these practices and norms as reflected in the notion of culture2, rather than limiting analyses to often stereotypical culture₁ claims. The three aspects of culture₂ all have an impact on participants' interactional behaviours.