ABSTRACT
In the canon of international business literature, language is represented as little more than an instrument, either through the ‘problem’ of accurate translation of text from one language to another or in the consideration of the utility and cost of foreign language learning. After conducting a review of recent literature of language and languages in international business and drawing on empirical data from other studies of research into international companies, this chapter proposes that much progress has been made in our understanding of language as a pervasive and critical tool in the management of all communications and relationships in and between individuals and organisations. This new knowledge has not however been transformed into management education. The chapter goes on to propose an approach and syllabus for the education of all managers and students about language and its impact on operations and the effectiveness of management and organisations.
