Oral business communication techniques in Dutch (Part 1) [ LMULT2434 ]

B2 in written and listening comprehension, as well as B2 in spoken Dutch (Common European Framework of Reference)

This course introduces the general principles of communication particularly the linguistic, sociolinguistic, pragmatic and cultural aspects of interaction. Special attention is given to specific characteristics of communication in the Dutch-speaking world. This general part is followed by a more detailed presentation of the strategies that can be used durng verbal communication activities that are used in organizations: presentations for different target groups, participating in debates, organizing meetings, commercial negotiations, telephone conversations, etc. The exercises that are included in the course give the students the opportunity to practice what they have learned in different professional situations. Their performanes are registered and discussed in detail.

At the end of the course, students should be able to apply the general principles of communication in a Dutch-speaking business environment and they should at least have reached a B2+ oral level (Common European Framework of Reference) in Dutch.

The contribution of this Teaching Unit to the development and command of the skills and learning outcomes of the programme(s) can be accessed at the end of this sheet, in the section entitled “Programmes/courses offering this Teaching Unit”.

Individual exercices and oral examination: on a given professional situation.

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The following themes will be discussed:

1) a general introduction to verbal communication;

2) specific aspects of communication in a company (organisation structure, management and communication style, assertive communication, psychological motivation, etc.)

3) specific aspects of  corporate  culture in a Dutch-speaking environment (greetings,  politeness formulae

4) communication within the company (communicating with the personnel, internal meetings, presentations, etc.)

5. External communication including intercultural communication with unknown partners (job interviews, information and advice to customers, telphone conversations, press conferences, etc.)

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Part 2 (15 hours) of the course is given by the Institut des Langues Vivantes (ILV).