Oral business communication techniques in Dutch (Part 1)

Teacher(s)

Goedgezelschap Anne;

Language

Dutch

Prerequisites

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

Main themes

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.

Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	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”.

Content

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.)

Evaluation methods

For the FIAL students:
- volume 1 (course): continuous evaluation during the semester (presentation and active participation during the courses). This counts for 50% of the final grade.
- volume 2 (exercises): continuous evaluation during the semester (active participation during the courses, personal work, dare to talk in professional situations). This counts for 50% of the final grade.

For the non-FIAL students (who get more than 3 credits for the course) :
- volume 1 (course): continuous evaluation during the semester (presentation and active participation during the courses). This counts for 30% of the final grade.
- volume 2 (exercises): continuous evaluation during the semester (active participation during the courses, personal work, dare to talk in professional situations). This counts for 30% of the final grade.
- oral exam in January (during the exam session): oral presentation of a written paper about a topical communication case. This counts for 40% of the final grade

In case of a second session (session of September) : oral presentation of a written paper about a topical communication case.

Other information

15 hours of the course is given by the Institute of Languages (ILV).

Faculty or entity

MULT