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Article published In:
Target
Vol. 9:1 (1997) ► pp.131–154

Language and Translation in an International Business Context

Beyond an Instrumental Approach

 | Copenhagen Business School
 | Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
This article discusses the role of language and translation in the business context. Drawing on management literature, we identify two different perspectives on culture and language, and discuss their implications for translation and language learning. Within the first perspective of culture as a variable and language as representation, translation becomes a neutral act and language learning a technical skill. Within the second perspective of culture as a metaphor and language as action, translation becomes a managerial act and language learning a cultural production. We conclude by formulating research questions whereby the domains of management and translation studies interface each other.
Article outline
  • 0.Introductory Remarks
  • 1.Translation and Language Problems in Management
  • 2.The Cultural and Linguistic Ground of the Management Process
    • 2.1.The Cultural Essence of Management
    • 2.2.The Linguistic Turn in Management and Organization Theory
  • 3.Two Perspectives on Language/Culture in the Management Process
    • 3.1.Language as Representation/Culture as Variable
    • 3.2.Language as Action/Culture as Metaphor
    • 3.3.Towards an Interdisciplinary Approach
  • 4.Translation in Management: Necessary Evil or Cultural Exchange?
    • 4.1.Translation as a Neutral Act
    • 4.2.Translation as a Management Act
  • 5.Organizational Language Learning Policy: A Matter of Second Language Learning or More?
    • 5.1.Language Learning as a Technical Skill
    • 5.2.Language Learning as Cultural Production
  • 6.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 1 January 1997
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/target.9.1.08ste
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