Prof. Dr. Manami Suzuki, Hosei University
"Language Proficiency and Communicative Competence: What is important for us to work in Multinational Corporations?"
In this talk, I will talk about my research history from my Ph.D. dissertation to
present collaborative research with my Hosei colleagues, Dr. Naoki Ando and Dr.
Hidehiko Nishikawa.
Generally, second language acquisition (SLA) research has been conducted
based on two theoretical frameworks: Cognitive psychology and Sociocultural theory.
The metaphor of the former model is “computer input and output” in human beings’
brains. A number of quantitative studies have conducted within this theoretical
framework. On the other hand, the latter theory emphasizes participation of teachers
and students, and leads to ecologically friendly qualitative research. I have studied
the both theories and my research position as an applied linguist is between them. In
SLA research, assessment of language skills (reading, writing, listening, and
speaking) focuses on accuracy, fluency and complexity. However, I have come to
think that there are other important elements in language, while I assessed my
students’ language skills. That is intelligibility. Of course, we need a threshold-level
language proficiency but it is important to make our interlocutors or audience
understand what we think and share our ideas. In my opinion, the fundamental
purpose of learning language is communication with other people who have different
thoughts and cultures. Moreover, in my major field, second language (L2) writing, I
think creativity is as important as first language (L1) writing (Suzuki, Forthcoming).
Therefore, recently I have conducted intercultural communication in the field of
international business with Dr. Ando and Dr. Nishikawa. We have studied what skills
are important to work in multinational corporations (MNCs). Global competences
include “cultural self-awareness, global perspective, language skills, risk tolerance
and diversity, cultural flexibility and highly developed communication skills” (Petkovic
& Dordevic, 2013, p.800).
Our studies focused on language skills, professional skills and intercultural
communication skills. I will present the results of the studies and the future plan for
further research on this theme in my speech. I would like to discuss what skills are
important for us to work in multinational and multicultural environments with my
audience.
References
Petkovic, M., & Dordevic, B. (2013). Global talent management as a factor of
multinational companies' competitiveness. Ekonomske Teme, 51(4), 791-810
Suzuki, M. (Forthcoming). Collaborative integrated writing-centered tasks for
Japanese EFL learners: Students’ perceptions and a teacher’s reflection. In M.
Riazi, L. Shi & K. Barkaoui (Eds.), Writing in a second language: Learning,
teaching, and assessment: A book in honour of Alister Cumming. Newcastle
upon Tyne, UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
Frau Suzuki ist Professorin an der Fakultät für Betriebswirtschaft an der Hosei Universität, Tokyo, und forscht über Möglichkeiten und Grenzen interkultureller Kommunikation in multinationalen Unternehmen. Frau Suzuki ist zur Zeit Gastwissenschaftlerin am Japan-Zentrum und wird die Ergebnisse ihrer aktuellen Forschung vorstellen.