Recognizing that language diversity is a key feature of today's economy, this course examines the challenges and opportunities associated with linguistic diversity in multinational companies.

The course will begin by showing how language choices, language policies and discursive practices take place in MNCs, while taking into account the special status of English as the global lingua franca. We will also focus on how and why language differences and similarities affect individuals, teams, and organizations. Finally, we will take a closer look at language management and discuss solutions on how to manage linguistic differences in an effective manner.

This course incorporates theory and research from international business and international management,as well as linguistics, sociology and psychology; and applies them to a range of key issues within MNCs, including internationalization, cross-border knowledge transfer, international teams, and HQ-subsidiary and subsidiary-subisidiary relations.

The purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth understanding of the multifaceted role of language in international business. Moreover, this course in intended to enable students to:

• Develop a holistic perspective of the role of language and appreciate its performative power in shaping the world around us
• Gain an understanding of the theoretical concepts of langauge, as well as framworks for analyzing language policy, language choices and discursive practices in organizational Settings
• Develop an awareness of the nature and significance of linguistic issues in an international business environment
• Gain an in-depth understanding of how and why language barriers and problems of ineffective communication arise
• Gain an in-depth understanding of how language barriers can be reduced and craft solutions on how to deal on a day-to-day basis with language barriers in an effective manner

Presence is mandatory.

The course is assessed by a mix of coursework, presentations and active course participation.

There will be a seminar paper due at the end of the Semester. The topic list will be announed at the beginning of the course.

Students are also required to give a group presentation on a specific topic from the syllabus.

Students are expected to prepare for class and participate actively.

The grading is as follows:

Seminar paper (40%)

Group assignment (40%)

Class participation (20%)

nathalie.aichhorn@wu.ac.at