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The intercultural component in Business English textbooks
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1 The intercultural component in Business English textbooks M. Carmen Lario de Oñate and María Vázquez Amador Universidad de Cádiz (Spain) & Abstract The relationship between culture and business is crucial; therefore, in an international business context Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) is essential for effectively dealing with other cultures. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages highlights the relevance of intercultural language education in developing effective communication across linguistic and cultural boundaries (Council of Europe, 2001). Thus, in recent years, whereas there has been an increasing interest in Intercultural Business Communication (IBC), relatively little attention has been paid to the study of the intercultural component in texts used for the teaching of English for Business, despite the fact that textbooks are a key resource for language instructors. This paper aims to examine the role that the intercultural component has played in Business English textbooks since the 1960s. It explores whether and to what extent those textbooks have promoted the acquisition of ICC, at the same time it reviews the development of ICC as a concept and the ways in which it has been taught over the years. A selection of 67 general Business English textbooks published between 1963 and 2009 are analysed. Keywords: interculturality, textbooks, course books, Business English, international communicative competence. Resumen El componente intercultural en los manuales de ingl és para los negoc ios La relación entre lengua y cultura es crucial, consecuentemente la competencia comunicativa intercultural (CCI) en contextos de negocios a nivel internacional es esencial para poder relacionarse de manera eficaz. El Marco Europeo de Referencia para las Lenguas destaca la importancia del componente intercultural en la enseñanza de lenguas para poder desarrollar una comunicación efectiva que ayude a superar las barreras lingüísticas y culturales (Council of Europe, 2001). ISSN: / e-issn:
2 C. LARIo DE oñate & M. VázqUEz AMADoR Por ello, en los últimos años ha aumentado el interés en la comunicación intercultural en el mundo de los negocios. No obstante, no se ha prestado demasiada atención al estudio del componente intercultural en los textos utilizados para el aprendizaje del inglés de los negocios, a pesar de que los libros de texto son el principal recurso para los profesores de lenguas. El objetivo de este trabajo es examinar el papel que tiene el componente intercultural en los manuales de inglés de los negocios desde los años 60. Se analizará si estos libros han promovido la adquisición de la competencia comunicativa intercultural, también se revisará el desarrollo del concepto y la manera en la que se ha enseñado a lo largo de los años. Para determinar el potencial de los libros, se ha seleccionado una muestra de 67 manuales de inglés aplicado a los negocios publicados entre los años 1967 y Palabras clave: interculturalidad, manuales, libros de texto, inglés de los negocios, competencia comunicativa intercultural. Introduction Many authors agree that learning a foreign language implies learning about its culture (Kramsch, 1993; Byram, 1997; Risager, 1998; Moran, 2001; Frendo 2005; Fantini & Tirmizi, 2006). In the words of Kramsch (1998: 127) culture is a membership in a discourse community that shares a common social space and history, and a common system of standards for perceiving, believing, evaluating, and action. Kilickaya (2004) describes culture as the sense of whatever a person must have in order to function and live in a particular society. This includes also socio-cultural factors in the language teaching materials. For Brown (2000: 17) language and culture are interwoven and cannot be separated without losing the significance of either language or culture. Bargiela-Chiappini (2007: 35) states, language is the interpretative lens for social and cultural phenomena. Undoubtedly, in the context of globalization, the intercultural component has become part of learning a second language. In the field of language teaching there has long been a general consensus (Myron & Koester, 1993; Gudykunst, 2003; Samovar, Porter & McDaniel, 2007) that intercultural communicative aspects refer to communication between people of different cultures and the way culturally-different groups come together, interact and communicate; whereas cross-cultural communicative aspects are those which involve the comparison of communication across culture and the contrast between two or more cultural 172
3 ThE INTERCULTURAL CoMPoNENT groups. In the words of Gudykunst (2003: 1), Crosscultural involves comparisons of communication across cultures ( ) Intercultural communication involves communication between people of different cultures. Interculturality is nonetheless the awareness of differences and similarities required when interacting in other cultures. By contrast crosscultural communication/competence is awareness of the differences and similarities between one s own culture and that of others. As Gudykunst (2003: vii) suggests, Understanding cross-cultural communication is a prerequisite to understanding intercultural communication. Intercultural communicative competence (ICC) is defined by Byram, Gribkova and Starkey (2002: 10) as the ability to ensure a shared understanding by people of different social identities, and their ability to interact with people as complex human beings with multiple identities and their own individuality. Byram (1997) outlines the features of ICC as: knowledge, skills, attitudes and cultural awareness. Those components are also part of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. ICC has not always been a part of the content taught in Business English courses despite being important for learners working, or hoping to work, in a business setting. Nowadays both linguistic and cultural knowledge are considered basic requirements when doing business internationally. Thus, Business English materials have come to reflect the importance of being able to communicate and interact successfully with people in such situations. As St. John (1996: 8) claims, being an effective business communicator depends not only on verbal language proficiency but also on personal and interpersonal skills. hinner (2002) believes that business students need to be instructed in interculturality because communication and culture are essential parts of their language instruction. As Dudley-Evans and St John (1998: 72) pointed out, language and culture cannot be separated. In the context of international interaction, English is the main language of communication in most social, cultural and professional areas, and, unquestionably, in business. Consequently, the teaching/learning of Business English has expanded since the early 1990s throughout Europe. Since then, there has been a growing trend towards intercultural language learning in order not to impose a specific culture but to raise students awareness of their own culture. It is not only the English language and nor its related cultures that have to be taught, students need also to learn about the different cultures of the 173
4 C. LARIo DE oñate & M. VázqUEz AMADoR people they are going to be doing business with through the English language; they need both intercultural and linguistic competence to learn how to interact with other international professionals. As a result, students will be able to understand people from other cultures and ensure appropriate behaviour. Knowledge of the host culture and a respectful attitude toward it and its members are essential to ensure effective communication across cultures. The teacher plays an important role in order to accomplish the development of the skills, attitudes and awareness of values by facilitating students access to information about countries and cultures (Ciolăneanu, 2007). To achieve this intercultural communicative competence the teacher needs to provide students with activities that encourage them to compare their own cultures and languages with those of others. Although there are many types of resources for teaching, a principal tool is the textbook because it is a stimulus to learning and good materials encourage learners to learn (hutchinson & Waters, 1987). Various authors have proposed checklists to evaluate cultural content in textbooks (hatoss, 2004; Kilickaya, 2004; Saluveer, 2004) with guidelines that encourage teachers to take into consideration certain factors dealing with socio-cultural information, learners needs, stereotypes, generalizations and intercultural communication before using textbooks. The study The aim of this paper is to explore the role that the intercultural component has played in Business English textbooks and track its development over the last fifty years through the analysis of a selection of 67 general Business English textbooks published between 1963 and The books used in this research do not focus on any particular business field or skill, nor are they devoted to the preparation of any business language exam. Appendix 1 contains the whole list of textbooks for a detailed reference. There are several aspects which will be studied: firstly, the presence of the concept in the selected textbooks; secondly, the level of importance given to this topic in terms of whole units, individual sections or activities; and thirdly, how the subject is taught within the units, if the topic is included in either activities dealing with verbal communication (such as greeting and addressing people), or with non verbal communication (such as gestures, personal space, etc.). In addition, the choice of cultural aspects such as 174
5 ThE INTERCULTURAL CoMPoNENT greetings, topics on small talk, gift giving, etc. dealt with in the books during these years will be discussed. Business contexts in which interculturality appears will also be studied that is, negotiations, business meetings, socializing, travelling, etc. Finally, special attention will be given to which cultures are mentioned and to whether national stereotypes are employed. As already stated, the sample of this study consists of 67 Business English textbooks published between 1963 and Seven of these books were published before the 1980s; the remainder books were selected at a sample rate of 20 per decade (1980s, 1990s, and 2000s). All of them are general Business English textbooks designed to improve the student s communication skills in a business environment. The books cater for different levels of English ranging from beginner to upper intermediate. Seven books were designed for elementary, post elementary, beginner and false beginner students; nine books were targeted at lower and preintermediate students; the majority of the books (38) aimed at an intermediate level, and the others (12) at an upper intermediate level. Results and discussion of the 67 books included in the study, 26 of them, that is 39%, do not contain any activity related to the intercultural component. The level of the majority of these books is intermediate level, one is elementary, another one is pre-intermediate and three of them are upper-intermediate. Most of them include topics such as receiving visitors from different countries, visiting clients abroad, working for multinational companies, or attending meetings with foreign clients. There is interaction with people from other nationalities but from a monocultural point of view; that is, without any reference to the intercultural component, dealing with foreign customers the same way they would deal with national ones. Figure 1 shows the increasing trend towards the inclusion of intercultural components from the 1980s onwards. In the books examined for the 1960s and 1970s, there are no activities dealing with interculturality. however, in the 1980s almost half of the textbooks studied demonstrate awareness of it. From the 1990s onwards the number of books containing interculturality has been increasing steadily. 175
6 C. LARIo DE oñate & M. VázqUEz AMADoR point of view; that is, without any reference to the intercultural component, dealing with foreign customers the same way they would deal with national ones. Figure 1 shows the increasing trend of towards the inclusion of intercultural components from the 1980s onwards. Figure 1. Textbooks with intercultural component. In the books examined for the 1960s and 1970s, there are no activities dealing with interculturality. However, in the 1980s almost half of the textbooks studied Incidence demonstrate and awareness relevance of of it. From the concept the 1990s onwards the number of books containing interculturality has been increasing steadily. of the seven books published in the 1960s and 1970s and used for this review, Incidence just two and of relevance them of address the concept the problems of trading with other countries. Of the They seven books stress published the potential in the 1960s difficulties and 1970s of and used language for this barriers review, and foreign just regulations; two of them however, address the interaction problems of between trading with cultures other countries. is not considered. They stress the potential difficulties of language barriers and foreign regulations; over those decades, course books have a clear monocultural focus, which is however, interaction between cultures is not considered. Over those decades, an Anglo-centered course books have a one. clear monocultural Culture is focus, regarded which is an simply Anglo-centered as background one. information, Culture is and regarded even simply this as is background implicitly information, included and not even explicitly this is implicitly taught. included and not explicitly taught. Regarding Regarding the the textbooks textbooks used used in in the the study study for for the the 1980s, 1980s, 45% 45% include include some some activity activity dealing dealing with interculturality. The The first book first which book deals which with deals the topic with is the topic International is Business Business Topics. Topics. In its In introduction, its introduction, the author points the author out: points out: Taken as a whole, the texts give the student a great deal of information about what is really happening in the business world the significant trends, the important Taken as a whole, the texts give the student a great deal of information about new ideas and they encourage the reader to examine critically business what practices is really and happening institutions in in his the or her business own country. world (Cotton, the 1980: significant 2) trends, the The important textbook new has ideas a whole and unit they named encourage National the stereotypes reader to dealing examine with critically generalizing business practices and categorizing and institutions people. in The his same or her author own country. published (Cotton, two other 1980: 2) textbooks in this decade: World of Business (1984) and Keys to Management The textbook has a whole unit named National stereotypes dealing with generalizing and categorizing people. The same author published two other textbooks in this decade: World of Business (1984) and Ibérica Keys 26 (2013): to - Management (1988). In the former he explains that one of the aims of the course is to ensure that the contexts within which the language is practised are drawn from a number of different countries or areas of the world (Cotton, 1984: v). Thus, each unit deals with a business topic centred in a given country, such as American unions, the Chinese textile industry or Spanish cooperatives among others. however, in these units Cotton focuses on the business problem; no cultural element of the country involved is considered. 176
7 ThE INTERCULTURAL CoMPoNENT There is a unit called Multinationals and the Third World in which problems and benefits of setting up subsidiaries in developing countries are considered but not from a cultural point of view. however, the unit entitled The Japanese worker introduces certain aspects of Japanese business culture such as lifelong employment and consensus decision-making, and compares the Japanese and British business contexts. In Keys to Management, the unit Management in multinationals is devoted to business relations between different cultures and deals with situations related to the character, working hours and managerial styles of the nationals. No other book among the ones analysed from the 1980s has a whole unit dedicated to the topic. In the textbook Business Information (1985), cross-cultural problems relating to trade fairs in different countries are briefly dealt with. In the 20 textbooks of the 1990s studied, 15 of them (75%), include aspects of interculturality. Therefore, it is evident that intercultural communication was at that time becoming more and more relevant in Business English textbooks. In New International Business English (Jones & Alexander, 1996: 10) there is an interesting text in Unit 1 that states, But the more you know the culture of the country you are dealing with, the less likely you are to get into difficulties. In this decade there are five books which include a whole unit dealing with differences when communicating with people from other cultures variously entitled: Cross cultural communication, Corporate culture, Management styles, Japan and the business world, Cultural awareness and Culture and entertainment. In the book Business Review (Bruce, Parrish & Wood, 1992: 4), its authors remark, In order to reflect the nature of business today, the course content is international ( ). The book also deals with other elements, such as body language and cultural factors. other books in this decade mention cultural awareness, cultural differences, cross-cultural communication, and cultural diversity in different sections. In English for Business Communication (Sweeney, 1997) the module Cultural diversity and socializing consists of two units: Building a relationship and Culture and entertainment. Among the textbooks published between 2000 and 2009, 17 of them (85%), deal with interculturality. They include activities or a whole unit dealing with the topic. Five of these textbooks devote a unit to the topic with titles such as: Management attitudes, Cultures, International Business Styles and Around the world. Market Leader, by Cotton, Falvey and Kent (2000), introduces the concept of cultural awareness, defined by Laopongharn & Sercombe (2009: 68) as, one of the components of the notion of ICC is 177
8 C. LARIo DE oñate & M. VázqUEz AMADoR cultural awareness, which involves not only some understanding of cultural features associated with the language being studied but also of learners own cultures. The other twelve books include sections THE INTERCULTURAL or activities COMPONENT which deal with the intercultural component, though many of them spread it over sections awareness, of different which involves units. not only some understanding of cultural features associated with the language being studied but also of learners own cultures. Sections The of other the twelve textbooks include which sections the intercultural or activities which component deal with is the studied are organized intercultural as follows: component, introduction though many or of warm them up, spread reading, it over writing, sections listening, of different units. discussions, role-plays and case studies. As can be seen in Figure 2, most Sections of the textbooks in which the intercultural component studied are activities organized are put as follows: into practice introduction in discussions or warm up, and reading, when writing, practising listening, reading skills. discussions, For further role-plays details see and Appendix case studies. 2. As can be seen in Figure 2, most activities are put into practice in discussions and when practising reading skills. For further details see Appendix 2. Figure 2. Intercultural component in sections. 178 Discussion activity activities and those are mainly widely books used published in order from to 1990s introduce onwards. the The intercultural topics component. discussed More are varied, than ranging 70% of from the stereotypes, books include managerial intercultural and working habits, discussion travelling, business communication and conversational topics. Most of them activity have and a single those feature are mainly common: books asking published for the from student s the views 1990s on onwards. their own The topics culture. discussed This seems are crucial varied, in grasping ranging understanding from stereotypes, of other cultures. managerial and working Reading habits, activities travelling, deal with a business variety of topics communication but most refer and either conversational to business topics. related Most issues of such them as managerial have a single styles and feature communication in common: with clients asking or with for the more general cultural considerations such as eye contact, personal space or student s touching. views New on Insights their into own Business culture. (2000) This includes seems a dos crucial and don ts in grasping section an understanding the text, of dos other dealing cultures. with respect and sensitivity to other cultures, don ts highlighting differences between British and American use of English. In Reading Business activities Goals deal 1 (2004) with there a variety is also a of dos topics and don ts but most shortlist refer including either to business advice related on making issues small-talk. such as Market managerial Leader (2000) styles includes and communication a series of tips for with business travellers visiting Japan. An example of such is be prepared for clients important or with cultural more and general language cultural difficulties. considerations This may seem such obvious as but eye some contact, personal space or touching. New Insights into Business (2000) includes a dos and don ts section in the text, dos dealing with respect and sensitivity to Discussion activities are widely used in order to introduce the intercultural component. More than 70% of the books include an intercultural discussion Ibérica 26 (2013): -
9 ThE INTERCULTURAL CoMPoNENT other cultures, don ts highlighting differences between British and American use of English. In Business Goals 1 (2004) there is also a dos and don ts shortlist including advice on making small-talk. Market Leader (2000) includes a series of tips for business travellers visiting Japan. An example of such is be prepared for important cultural and language difficulties. This may seem obvious but some people try to get by in Japan without a good interpreter who can also explain Japanese traditions and customs (Cotton, Falvey & Kent, 2000: 104). In general, the texts include information about cultural differences offering the students some advice in order to adapt themselves to other cultures. Listening activities are also used to acquire ICC. They are used in 46.34% of the course books analysed. In these listening exercises, topics related to business and the workplace are raised such as work timetables, formal meetings, and business and culture. Thirteen of the 41 books (31.71%), start the unit with an introduction or warm up activity. This section was first introduced in the 1980s to encourage students to think about the topic, to generate some preliminary discussion and familiarize themselves with new terms (Lario de oñate, 2007: 15). only ten of the books contain a writing activity related to the intercultural component. These activities are usually aimed at writing about one s own culture, usually giving advice to foreign travellers coming to the country, as found in Market Leader (2000), Working in English (2001), Business Vision (2002) and English for Business Studies (2003). Their intention seems to be that students reflect on the rules and behaviour of their own culture in order to raise their awareness that is, to reach cultural awareness. In Company (2002) includes a cross-cultural quiz about table manners, in which the student has to identify the correct option in sentences such as In Greece / Finland people frequently stop for lunch at in the morning. Afterwards there is a listening activity about business people from different countries chatting over lunch. Notably, only seven of the books include a role-play activity in which students take turns to play someone from a different culture. In the textbook Executive Skills (1994) there is a very interesting role play in which students imagine they are taking part in a weekend training session to prepare personnel for an overseas assignment. one of the students plays the role of instructor and the other students play the role of the staff. Cultural differences are listed and students explain the potential problems that may be encountered. Six books from this decade contain a case-study with the purpose of presenting aspects of real-life 179
10 C. LARIo DE oñate & M. VázqUEz AMADoR business scenarios so that students can integrate knowledge, skills, theory and experience (Dudley-Evans & St. John, 1998). Case-studies encourage discussion, something crucial for language teaching. Market Leader (2000) includes a case-study about visitors from China in which some background information is provided about Chinese culture in general as well as the prospective clients. The students need to perform several tasks such as making dining arrangements, selecting conversation topics, and deciding whether to give gifts or not. Their choices need, in part, to be based on the information provided about Chinese culture. Verbal and non verbal interactions In order to find out if any special emphasis is placed on the use of language regarding the intercultural component, the following functions were reviewed in the textbooks: greeting, addressing, formality, agreeing and THE INTERCULTURAL COMPONENT disagreeing. The manner of addressing and greeting people from different cultures was mainly referenced in the course books in the percentages shown the textbooks: greeting, addressing, formality, agreeing and disagreeing. The in Figure 3. manner of addressing and greeting people from different cultures was mainly referenced in the course books in the percentages shown in Figure 3. Figure 3. Verbal communication. 180 When to addressing use names and/or greeting titles when people you first from meet other someone cultures depending the focus on the is on whether country to use mentioned. names In and/or some of titles the books, when no you specific first meet information someone is provided, depending just advice on culturally specific ways of addressing and greeting people. Other on the aspects country of verbal mentioned. communication In some addressed of the in books, the textbooks no specific are the formality information of is provided, language just when advice interacting on culturally with business specific people ways from of different addressing cultures, and how greeting to people. express other agreement aspects and of disagreement verbal communication in business situations, addressed expressing the thanks textbooks and the use of humour. are the formality of language when interacting with business people from Non-verbal communication, defined by Samovar, Porter and McDaniel (2009: different 247) cultures, as those nonverbal how to express stimuli in agreement a communication and setting disagreement that are generated in business situations, by both expressing the source [speaker] thanks and his the or use her use of of humour. the environment and that have When addressing and greeting people from other cultures the focus is on whether potential message value for the source or receiver [listener], is a key consideration for Business English textbooks, as Business Review shows: When doing business in another culture, it can be almost as important to understand the non-verbal messages eye contact, distance between people, physical gestures, etc. as it is to understand the language. Body language of this
11 ThE INTERCULTURAL CoMPoNENT Non-verbal communication, defined by Samovar, Porter and McDaniel (2009: 247) as those nonverbal stimuli in a communication setting that are generated by both the source [speaker] and his or her use of the environment and that have potential message value for the source or receiver [listener], is a key consideration for Business English textbooks, as Business Review shows: When doing business in another culture, it can be almost as important to understand the non-verbal messages eye contact, distance between people, physical gestures, etc. as it is to understand the language. Body language of this sort can give us important information about how the other person feels or think. (Bruce, Parrish & Wood, 1992: 49) The most significant non-verbal issues included in the textbooks are shaking hands, body language, and personal space, as shown in Figure 4. C. LARIO DE OÑATE & M. VÁZQUEZ AMADOR Figure 4: Non verbal communication issues Ways of greeting people from different cultures is a common topic especially dealing with the use of the handshake in other countries. For instance, in the Ways book of greeting Working people in English from (2001) different there cultures is a reference is a common to the strength topic of especially the dealing handshake with the with use examples of the handshake given of the in differences other countries. between Germany For instance, and UK. in the Interpreting body language can be crucial in certain situations and students need book to Working be aware in English that postures, (2001) movements there is and a reference gestures can to the vary strength enormously of the handshake depending with on examples the culture. The given subject of the of body differences language and between the appropriate Germany use and of gestures are mentioned in almost 30% of the books, with eye contact making UK. Interpreting body language can be crucial in certain situations and up almost 20% of that figure. English for Business Communication (1997) students includes need a to text be giving aware information that postures, about eye movements contact in different and gestures countries can in vary enormously Latin America, depending Africa on and the Asia. culture. Personal The space subject varies depending of body on language culture and the context, and the issue of cultural variation regarding personal space is covered in appropriate use of gestures are mentioned in almost 30% of the books, with 11 textbooks (26.83%); some of them emphasizing the differences between eye contact Mediterranean making countries up and almost the rest 20% of the of world. that It figure. stands out English that more for than Business Communication half of these (1997) books includes have been a published text giving in the information last decade: about New Insights eye contact into in Business (2000), Working in English (2001) and Business Goals (2004). Business context Adams and Dovadel (2001: vii) in the preface of Global Links point out that the book provides interesting, relevant information about doing business 181
12 C. LARIo DE oñate & M. VázqUEz AMADoR different countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Personal space varies depending on culture and context, and the issue of cultural variation regarding personal space is covered in 11 textbooks (26.83%); some of them emphasizing the differences between Mediterranean countries and the rest of the world. It stands out that more than half of these books have been published in the last decade: New Insights into Business (2000), Working in English (2001) and Business Goals (2004). Business context Adams and Dovadel (2001: vii) in the preface of Global Links point out that the book provides interesting, relevant information about doing business internationally and interacting with business people from around the world. The principal topics concerning such interactions are: working hours, behaviour in the workplace, how to do business, appropriate gifts and clothes, meetings, exchanging business cards and other topics such as the lifestyle of businessmen, along with issues related to work and social life. The results obtained from the analysis of the different topics are presented in Figure 5. THE INTERCULTURAL COMPONENT Figure 5. Topics in interaction at work. 182 Different timetables patterns is stressed of working some of hours them. of For people instance, in Working other cultures in English are (2001) provided in 16 mentions books (39.02%) the relaxed and attitude the to importance time of Spanish of people understanding compared to and Anglophone adapting to cultures (USA or UK). In Business Goals (2004) there are different activities different timetables is stressed in some of them. For instance, Working in (reading, listening, discussion) dealing with this topic and in relation to countries English (2001) mentions the relaxed attitude to time of Spanish people Different patterns of working hours of people in other cultures are provided in 16 books (39.02%) and the importance of understanding and adapting to different such as Ireland, USA, UK, Germany and Spain. Fourteen books (31.71%) deal with the behaviour of business people, and several include a section describing managerial styles in different cultures. As Tullis and Trappe (2000: 44) specify in New Insights into Business, The characteristics of management often vary according to national culture, which can determine how managers are trained, how they lead people and how they approach their jobs.
13 ThE INTERCULTURAL CoMPoNENT compared to Anglophone cultures (USA or UK). In Business Goals (2004) there are different activities (reading, listening, discussion) dealing with this topic and in relation to countries such as Ireland, USA, UK, Germany and Spain. Fourteen books (31.71%) deal with the behaviour of business people, and several include a section describing managerial styles in different cultures. As Tullis and Trappe (2000: 44) specify in New Insights into Business, The characteristics of management often vary according to national culture, which can determine how managers are trained, how they lead people and how they approach their jobs. Eleven of the books (26.83%) mention gift giving in business, making reference to the type of presents that may be regarded as appropriate depending on the culture. Some books only raise questions about gift giving in the students culture but others contain information about suitable gifts in other cultures, with Japan and other Asian countries most commonly discussed when dealing with this issue. The same number of textbooks deal with the subject of attire in different cultures while the matter of exchanging business cards and how to behave in meetings is also covered in 11 of the books under study (26.83%). Ten of the books (24.39%) suggest different rules to follow when doing business. Special emphasis is put on differences between Western and Eastern cultures. This is clearly shown in a text from the book New International Business English (1996), in which a comparison is made between Japan and America regarding several examples of differences pertaining to clothing, coffee breaks, questions asked in meetings, behaviour and managerial styles. Negotiations is a topic dealt with in almost 22% of the books and making mistakes is a target issue in 8 books (19.51%), usually misunderstandings due to cultural differences, some of them exemplified by publicity campaigns. For example Keys to Management (1988) shows several examples of campaigns which were very successful in some countries but did not work or were even considered offensive in others because of distinct cultural norms. other matters which were mentioned in the Business English textbooks were the lifestyle of business people and issues related to work in general. Business Objectives (1991) provides a text comparing the lifestyle of business executives in different European countries including issues such as holidays and hobbies. The social aspect of interaction in business connotes establishing or improving a good relationship. Within the social context of the business 183
14 C. LARIo DE oñate & M. VázqUEz AMADoR environment, some sections have been considered: topics appropriate in conversation, meals and meal habits, small talk, gift giving, travelling, etiquette and timetables. The topic of meals and eating habits in different countries is mentioned in 34.15% of the textbooks analysed for instance mealtimes, or explaining typical dishes from one particular country. Business Start up 1 (2006) introduces a text and a listening activity concerning mealtimes in countries such as Spain, France, UK, Switzerland and Japan. Small talk plays a vital part in Business English. It implies polite conversation about things that are not relevant, but it involves talking about a wide variety of topics like the weather, trips, family, etc. It is a subject in almost 32% of the books, usually explored through role-play. In Company (2002) devotes an entire unit to small talk, in which students can measure their culture awareness by means of a questionnaire. Which topics are appropriate (weather, sports, etc.) and which should be avoided (religion, politics, etc.) when socializing with clients from different cultures are common subjects for discussion. Another topic is punctuality with several textbooks highlighting its importance in certain cultures. The oldest textbook in the study that explores this area is Business Review (1992), and the latest is English 365 (2004). Attitudes to silence can also be found in several books like Intelligent Business (Trappe & Tullis, 2005: 107): In some cultures, when a person stops speaking another will start straight away. In others it is a mark of respect to wait for silence until you start to speak. Whereas in other cultures, several people can all speak at the same time. Countries and stereotypes When dealing with the intercultural component, textbooks mention many different countries. From the mid 80s to the late 90s, the recurrent countries are the UK, the USA and Japan. Although China is present in some textbooks during those decades, it has a more marked presence from the year 2000 onwards. The USA is mentioned in 26 course books, the UK in 25, Japan in 17 and China in 9 textbooks. The topic Your country is included in 25 books, and here students are encouraged to think about their own culture and engage in the corresponding discussions. Among the European countries, the most repeatedly quoted are: France (17), Germany (12), Italy (11) and Spain (9). The Arab countries are mentioned in 6 books and South American countries in 4, the same number as Canada and 184
15 USA is mentioned in 26 course books, the UK in 25, Japan in 17 and China in 9 textbooks. The topic Your country is included in 25 books, and here students are encouraged to think about their own culture and engage in the corresponding ThE INTERCULTURAL CoMPoNENT THE INTERCULTURAL COMPONENT discussions. Among the European countries, the most repeatedly quoted are: France (17), Australia. USA Germany is Figure mentioned (12), 6 Italy shows in 26 (11) course the and Spain percentages books, (9). the The UK Arab of in 25, those countries Japan countries in are 17 and mentioned China referred in in 9 6 to in the textbooks. books and studied. The South topic American Your country countries is included in 4, the in same 25 books, number and as here Canada students and are Australia. encouraged Figure to think 6 shows about the their percentages own culture of those and engage countries in the referred corresponding to in the discussions. books studied. Among the European countries, Figure 6. Countries the most mentioned repeatedly in textbooks. quoted are: France (17), Germany (12), Italy (11) and Spain (9). The Arab countries are mentioned in 6 books The topic and of South the character American of countries the people in from 4, the those same countries number is mainly as Canada dealt and with Australia. The topic through of reading Figure the character activities 6 shows the of (in percentages the which people different of those from nationalities countries those countries are referred stereotyped) to in the is mainly and books dealt discussions. studied. According to Byram, Gribkova and Starkey (2002: 28): with through reading activities (in which different nationalities are Figure 6. Countries mentioned in textbooks. Stereotyping involves labelling categorising particular groups of people, stereotyped) usually and discussions. in a negative According way, according to to Byram, preconceived Gribkova ideas or and broad Starkey (2002: The 28): topic generalisations of the character about of them people and then from assuming those countries that all members is mainly of dealt that with group through will reading think activities and behave (in identically. which different Stereotypes nationalities can undermine are our stereotyped) sense of who and we discussions. are by According suggesting to that Byram, how we Gribkova look or speak and determines Starkey (2002: how we 28): act. Stereotyping involves labelling or categorising particular groups of people, One of Stereotyping Cotton s books, involves International labelling or Business categorising Topics particular (1980), groups contains of a people, whole unit usually on usually stereotypes. in in a negative a negative The unit way, way, includes according an interesting to to preconceived text of a ideas survey ideas or on broad what or broad Europeans generalisations think of each about other them in general, and then and assuming about that business that all members all people of in that particular. of group that group They will will think are think asked and and behave to behave choose identically. one European Stereotypes nationality can undermine can undermine that our seems sense our to of be who sense most we of who are by suggesting that how we look or speak determines how we act. suitable for each of the main positions in a company. What would have happened we are by suggesting that how we look or speak determines how we act. One if other of Cotton s nationalities books, such International as Japan, the Business USA, China Topics or (1980), Russia had contains been a included whole unit is also on up stereotypes. for discussion, The unit and includes practical an examples interesting of how text national of a survey characteristics on what one Europeans of can Cotton s affect think business books, of each behaviour other International in are general, given. Business and about Topics business (1980), people contains particular. a whole unit on They stereotypes. are asked to The choose unit one includes European interesting nationality that text seems of a to survey be most on what suitable for each of the main positions in a company. What would have happened Europeans if other nationalities think of such each as other Japan, in the general, USA, China and or Russia about had business been included people in particular. is also They up for are discussion, asked and to choose practical one examples European of how nationality characteristics that seems to be most can affect suitable business for behaviour each of are the given. Ibérica 26 (2013): - main positions in a company. What would have happened if other nationalities such as Japan, the USA, China or Russia had been included is also up for discussion, and practical examples of how national characteristics can affect business behaviour are given. Ibérica 26 (2013): - Stereotyping has been approached from very different points of view in each of the books. Texts with information about different countries have been found, as can be observed, for example in a text from the book New Insights 185
16 C. LARIo DE oñate & M. VázqUEz AMADoR into English (2000) in which students are asked to label which country would match to an exact set of rules about managerial characteristics in Germany, Poland, Sweden, the UK and the USA. on the other hand, more open attitudes are also present in some of the books, as Jones (2001: 46) states in Working in English, Above all, one should remember that people do not usually mind if their codes are broken by foreigners as long as they sense considerations and goodwill. This is much more important than a set of rules. Guest (2002: 158) states that, A certain degree of generalization is acceptable within certain genres of large-scale cultural interaction. But problems occur when we apply these general interpretive pegs to immediate situations and personalized discourse. In the last decade there has been a tendency not to use stereotypes, thus the textbooks published during the last decade (35%) do not mention any country, just your country, thus avoiding narrowing their scope to a particular one. Culture is not viewed from an essentialist perspective establishing a culture as a social phenomenon with certain characteristics (hofstede, 1991), but as a concept which can be used by different people at different times to suit purposes of identity, politics and science (holiday, 1999). Nowadays, globalization has reshaped the working environment and a culturally diverse workforce improves corporate culture and builds effective global relationships. Conclusions Intercultural communication competence implies the ability to communicate interculturally, essentially being able to interact with sensitivity to cultural awareness and an understanding of cultural differences. An intercultural approach enables students to learn not only other languages, but to treat their interlocutors appropriately through knowledge of their cultures. It demands an attitude of respect and of willingness to identify, accept and value different behaviour and ideas. The need to communicate effectively with people from different cultures has increased over the last few years as a result of globalization, and this has also been reflected in Business English textbooks which are a fundamental educational tool as a source of information and guidance. This paper has provided insight into the way the intercultural component has developed in such books since the 1980s. In the books published between 186
17 ThE INTERCULTURAL CoMPoNENT the 1960s and 1970s the problem of language and regulation barriers are mentioned while cultural aspects are largely ignored. Almost half of the books from the 1980s analysed include some kind of intercultural component, but only two of them have a whole unit dealing with it, and, curiously enough they are both by the same author, David Cotton. The remaining books have a variety of activities including reading, listening and discussions dealing with interculturality. No relevant topics are widely used in the books. Some focus on the use of language, whereas others place emphasis on non-verbal communication or are more directed towards specific business issues such as negotiations or meetings. The countries most commonly mentioned in the textbooks from the 1980s are Anglophone countries; the UK and the USA. Japan and Asia are also present along with other European countries. South America, Canada and Africa are seldom referred to. In the 1990s there is a greater presence of the intercultural component in the textbooks and several books include whole units and/or sections with a cultural focus. The activities most extensively used are discussions, reading texts and listening activities in that order. In this decade, most of the books make reference to the use of language (especially forms of addressing), and non verbal communication: shaking hands and body language are frequently referred to. Business related issues are broached by all the books (how to behave in negotiations, gift giving and exchanging business cards amongst others). Socializing is also dealt with in most of the books, especially small talk and appropriate conversational topics. In this decade, most of the books mention English-speaking countries such as the UK and the USA, but Japan starts to play a prominent role. France, Italy and Spain are also mentioned and to a lesser extent, South American, Asian, Arab and African countries begin to appear. But the real boom in the introduction of the intercultural component in Business English textbooks takes place in the 2000s, as only three books from this decade with no intercultural component have been found. Listening, reading and discussion activities are the most common means of introducing intercultural aspects, as was observed in the previous decades. Although activities focussing on the use of language are included in some of the books, they are less prominent than before. Non-verbal communication is present in several books from these years, especially shaking hands and respecting cultural variations in personal space. Business related issues are much more prominent in the textbooks, with working hours and business 187
18 C. LARIo DE oñate & M. VázqUEz AMADoR and negotiations being the most commonly mentioned. Socializing is also quite common, especially eating habits and small talk. Although the UK and the USA are the main countries involved when dealing with the intercultural component, Germany becomes more prominent, as well as Japan and China. When mentioning Europe, other countries such as Poland, Sweden or Switzerland are included. The results of this research support the idea that today s approaches to intercultural communication in Business English focus on a non essentialist approach which argues that individuals do not necessarily share characteristics of their specific national cultures, nor do they belong to a cohesive group of people with the same culture or as a result show certain fixed culture related characteristics. Culture is now seen as a variable concept and, as a consequence, in the most recent Business English textbooks it is not common to find advice for successful business communication within international contexts. The idea is to encourage students to be respectful and develop sensitivity when in contact with people from other cultures. Raising cultural awareness in students seems to be essential so as to foster a generally positive, sensitive and respectful attitude toward host cultures, thus achieving effective intercultural communication. [Paper received 17 April 2012] [Revised paper accepted 1 May 2013] References Adams, K. & R. Dovadel (2001). Global Links 1 for International Business. Harlow: Pearson Education. Bargiela-Chiappini, F. (2007). Intercultural Business discourse in C.N. Candlin & M. Gotti (eds.), Intercultural Aspects of Specialized Communication, Bern: Peter Lang. Brown, H.D. (2000). Principles of Language Learning and Teaching. New York: Longman. Bruce, K., B. Parrish & A. Wood (1992). Business Review. Harlow: Longman. Byram, M. (1997). Teaching and Assessing Intercultural Communicative Competence. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters. Byram, M., B. Gribkova & H. Starkey (2002). Developing the Intercultural Dimension in Language Teaching: a Practical Introduction for Teachers. URL: intercultural.pdf [23/01/12] Ciolăneanu, R. (2007). Teaching intercultural communicative competence in Business classes. Synergy 3: Cotton, D. (1980). International Business Topics. London: Bell & Hyman. Cotton, D. (1984). World of Business. London: Bell & Hyman. Cotton, D., D. Falvey & S. Kent (2000). Market Leader. Harlow: Longman. Council of Europe (2001). Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Dudley-Evans, T. & M.J. St. John (1998) Developments in English for Specific Purposes: A Multi-disciplinary Approach. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Fantini, A. & A. Tirmizi (2006). Exploring and 188
19 ThE INTERCULTURAL CoMPoNENT assessing intercultural competence. World Learning Publications, Paper 1. URL: digitalcollections.sit.edu/ worldlearningpublications/ 1 [26/01/12] Frendo, E. (2005). How to Teach Business English. Harlow: Longman. Gudykunst, W.B. (ed.) (2003). Cross-Cultural and Intercultural Communication. London: Sage Publications. Guest, M. (2002). A critical checkbook for culture teaching and learning. ELT Journal 56: Hatoss, A. (2004) A model for evaluating textbooks: as mediators of culture. Babel 39: Hinner, M.B. (2002). Communication Science: an Integral Part of Business and Business Studies? Freiberg Working Papers 13. URL: https://www. econstor.eu/dspace/bitstream/10419/48370/1/ pdf [20/03/12] Hofstede, G. (1991). Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind. London: McGraw-Hill. Holiday, A. (1999). Culture as constraint or resource: essentialist versus non-essentialist views. IATEFL Language and Cultural Studies SIG Newsletter 18: Hutchinson, T. & A. Waters (1987). English for Specific Purposes: A Learning-Centered Approach. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Jones, L. (2001). Working in English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Jones, L. & R. Alexander (1996). New International Business English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Kilickaya, F. (2004). Guidelines to evaluate cultural content in textbooks. The Internet TESL Journal X: 12. URL: Techniques/Kilickaya-CulturalContent/ [26/01/12] Kramsch, C. (1993). Context and Culture in Language Teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Kramsch, C. (1998). Language and Culture. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Laopongharn, W. & P. Sercombe (2009). What relevance does intercultural communication have to language education in Thailand? Annual Review of Education, Communication and Language Sciences 6: URL: /laopongharn_sercombe_vol6.pdf [20/03/12] Lario de Oñate, M.C. (2007). A review of Business English textbooks ( ) in A. Bocanegra Valle, M.C. Lario de Oñate & E. López Torres (eds.), English for Specific Purposes: Studies for Classroom Development and Implementation, Cádiz: Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Cádiz. Moran, P. (2001). Teaching Culture. Perspectives in Practice. Boston: Heinle & Heinle. Myron, W.L. & J. Koester (1993). Intercultural Competence: Interpersonal Communication across Cultures. New York: HarperCollins. Risager, K. (1998). Language teaching and the process of European integration in M. Byram & M. Fleming (eds.), Language Learning in Intercultural Perspective. Approaches through Drama and Ethnography, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Saluveer, E. (2004). Teaching Culture in English Classes. URL: /bitstream/10062/922/5/saluveer.pdf [30/01/12] Samovar, S., R. Porter & E. McDaniel (2007). Communication between Cultures. Boston: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning. St John, M.J. (1996). Business is booming: Business English in the 1990s. English for Specific Purposes 15: Trappe, T. & G. Tullis (2005). Intelligent Business. Harlow: Pearson Education. Tullis, G. & T. Trappe (2000). New Insights into Business. Harlow: Pearson Education. M. Carmen Lario de Oñate is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Cadiz. her main research interests include ESP teaching and learning in the field of Business and terminology. She has participated in various international conferences and published several papers on the pedagogy of ESP and on academic and professional English. She is the head of the only ESP research group at the Spanish University of Cádiz. 189
20 C. LARIo DE oñate & M. VázqUEz AMADoR María Vázquez Amador is a full time Lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Cádiz. She has been lecturing English for Specific Purposes in the fields of tourism, nursing, and business. her main research areas include terminology as applied to those ESP branches. 190
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Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
Dallas Cowboys (5-4) at Washington Redskins (6-3), 8:15 p.m. ET
The Cowboys aren't officially calling this a must-win game, but they might as well. Quarterback Tony Romo returns after missing three games with a broken right pinkie. I've had an up-close look at the splint, and it gives him a lot more flexibility than the previous one. Romo's still experiencing some pain when he throws longer routes, but he says it's not affecting his passes.
The Cowboys have hinted at tweaks they've made to the offense throughout the week. From what I've been told by sources at Valley Ranch, those tweaks include a lot more no-huddle and more pre-snap motion for Terrell Owens. You might recall that it was Washington that provided the blueprint for how to defend T.O. in press coverage. The good news for the Redskins is that cornerback Shawn Springs should finally be able to play again. Springs, Carlos Rogers and Fred Smoot should give the Redskins a lot of options. And it looks like cornerback DeAngelo Hall will be ready to go.
The Redskins will probably be without running back Clinton Portis, who is nursing a knee sprain. Portis shredded the Cowboys defensive line at Texas Stadium earlier this season, so it would be a huge loss. Ladell Betts is a capable backup, but he's also been sidelined with a knee injury. Coach Jim Zorn has talked about teaching Shaun Alexander some different things, but he's not a good option.
The Redskins will try to take a couple of shots early at Pro Bowl cornerback Terence Newman, who is returning from a sports hernia. Santana Moss burned Newman on a deep ball in the Redskins' win, and Jason Campbell will look to find him on several hitches and screens. Moss' hamstring wasn't right against the Steelers, and it affected how Campbell played. That said, look for a big game from Chris Cooley. At some point, he'll be matched up with Ken Hamlin or Keith Davis. And that's not a good situation for the Cowboys. Cooley's learned his trade by studying Cowboys tight end Jason Witten -- and he's learned well.
The Redskins can lose this game and still be in the hunt for a playoff game. If the Cowboys lose, they can pretty much rule themselves out.
Baltimore Ravens (6-3) at New York Giants (8-1), 1 p.m. ET
Cowboys-Redskins is a great rivalry, but this might be the game of the week. The Giants have been unbelievable on the ground with the combination of Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward. The Ravens do a superb job of stopping the run. In fact, they hold teams to under 70 yards per game. Everyone is anxious to see that first collision between Jacobs and Ray Lewis, who's never backed down from a challenge.
The thing that impresses me most about Ravens rookie quarterback Joe Flacco is that he's at his best when the stakes are highest. He's been excellent on third downs, which is also true for Giants quarterback Eli Manning. He was 7-of-10 on third down against the Eagles, and six of those passes went for first downs. The absence of Plaxico Burress in training camp allowed Manning to bond with young receivers such as Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon. In fact, Smith's become one of the better third-down receivers in the league this season. He does a great job of getting separation from cornerbacks in tight spots.
On defense, the Giants will try to rattle Flacco early. I think you'll see Justin Tuck use a lot of his inside moves to apply pressure. It drove the Giants nuts that they didn't have any sacks against Donovan McNabb. If they have less than four sacks against the Ravens, I'll be surprised. The Ravens' defense will be a great test for Manning and the offense, but New York will find a way to win.
Philadelphia Eagles (5-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-8), 1 p.m. ET
The Eagles can't afford to sleepwalk through this game. Honestly, they're not good enough to do that. The Bengals pushed the Cowboys and Giants to the brink earlier in the season and then beat the Jaguars.
I think Andy Reid will actually try to establish the
run against the Bengals. All-Pro running back Brian Westbrook sat out a portion of practice Friday, but Reid was just being cautious. Westbrook has been asking for an opportunity to find some rhythm in the running game, and he may get that chance.
The Eagles were gashed by the Giants in the running game. That's not going to happen against the Bengals. But this team still has enough offensive firepower to worry the Eagles' secondary. With the addition of Asante Samuel, the Eagles were supposed to be an elite secondary. That hasn't quite been the case, though.
The Eagles will have an opportunity to work on their performance in the red zone and in short-yardage situations. For some reason, Reid seems to be at his worst in those important situations. Against the Giants, he used a lot of misdirection with the speedy DeSean Jackson. This isn't the type of game the Eagles need to win 21-17. They need to win impressively in order to get some confidence back. And stop trying to convince me that they played well enough to win the Giants game. The final score wasn't an indication of what took place on the field.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Howell Park
When Pigs Fly
Click here to listen to an extended interview about this project »
The artist has collaborated to create new communities within Grant and Howell Parks via the Frisbee, an object synonymous with social park activity. As the game of Frisbee involves two or more people in the playing, the artist has used this form of interaction as a means to study the group dynamics of this familiar game. Having collaborated with Atlanta-based Frisbee groups in the development of When Pigs Fly, the artist has also introduced the work to connect new communities. Subversive political commentaries as well as a sense of humor are at play within the performance. For more information click here.
All are invited to participate in the Frisbee performances.
Michael Reese is a photographer and conceptual artist. He received his BFA in Photography from the Atlanta College of Art. An interest and commitment to social practice in his work allows for an open experimentation and dialogue. Reese's work has been exhibited at the International Center of Photography and The Drawing Center both in New York City. www.michaelreesephotography.com


text:
PHOENIX -- Very few of you appreciated my afternoon tweet from the lush grounds of the Arizona Biltmore resort. What? You didn't like my view of paradise as you dealt with a Winter Wonderland in NFC North territory? I'm sorry to hear that.
Rest assured, however. As I took in some natural vitamin D, I also was working diligently alongside NFC West blogger/legal analyst Mike Sando, scouring the fine print of the NFL's 2013 bylaw-change proposals for possible impact in our respective divisions. We found at least one that could affect our 2013 season.
Among other things, Bylaw Proposal No. 2 would add two weeks to the window for return by players who open the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. If it passes, the rule would allow a player to return any time between his team's sixth and 11th games. (It currently requires a decision after the ninth game.)
Technically, then, a player could miss the first 14 games of the season -- an 11-game PUP stay plus three weeks of practice -- and still be eligible to play the final three games. It's debatable whether a coaching staff would judge a player to be ready for live-game action after that long of a layoff, but in the right situation it could provide a late-season boost.
In the NFC North, for example, the Green Bay Packers could give defensive lineman Jerel Worthy -- who suffered a serious knee injury in Week 17 last season -- an extra two weeks to rehabilitate. Wednesday is the final day of these meetings. I'll let you know if the final wording of this bylaw and if anything else changes.


text:
Leona Harpe was a Manticoran citizen and a non-commissioned officer of the Royal Manticoran Navy.
A powerfully-built woman, she served as the bosun aboard the destroyer HMS L'Imperieuse. She was one of the survivors of her ship's destruction by PNS Rienzi, and later served under Lord Hakon Nessler aboard the Colonel Arabi in order to take out the Rienzi. (HHA1.2: AGT)


text:
Для получения актуальных цен по гостинице Raj Vilas Palace, пожалуйста, укажите интересующие вас даты и выполните поиск.
The hotel is located on Jaipur-Bikaner Highway. It is close to the shopping centers. It has an easy access to the Railway station.
This air-conditioned hotel has been transformed from a royal residence into a luxurious deluxe hotel. The architecture of the hotel exudes the region's heritage, yet provides a full range of modern facilities. Guests are welcomed in the lobby, which offers a 24-hour reception, a hotel safe and safety deposit lockers. There is also a newspaper stand and a hairdressing salon while business travellers will enjoy the convenience of conference facilities. Further features of the hotel include Internet access, room and laundry services as well as a car park for those arriving by car.
Номеров: 55
|Обратите внимание
|The hotel provides three different room categories: single deluxe, double deluxe and honeymoon suite. All rooms are en suite with a shower, bath and hot and cold running water. The rooms are smartly decorated with modern furniture and spacious with comfortable double beds. Additional room amenities include a telephone, cable TV, a safe, minibar as well as air conditioning.


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Shailene Woodley
1 / 14
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon | YouTube
Shailene Woodley has taken self-sufficiency to a whole new level. The actress sticks to a pretty strict organic lifestyle, even going so far as to make her own medicine, toothpaste, body lotions, and cheese! She told US Weekly: "It's appealing to my soul."
Taylor Swift
2 / 14
Taylor Swift | Instagram
With her exciting, fast-paced lifestyle you wouldn't expect Taylor Swift to spend her time making snow globes, but she's been known to get together with her super cool posse and craft holiday-themed globes, proudly displaying many on her Insta page.
Mila Kunis
3 / 14
Universal Pictures
While lots of people play video games as a pastime, Mila Kunis has openly admitted to being thoroughly obsessed with World of Warcraft. The game ended up consuming so much of her time, though, that she had to force herself to retire!
Amy Adams
4 / 14
Knitting is absolutely not just for grandmas anymore! On the set of Doubt, Amy Adams learned to knit from Meryl Streep! We'll do anything at all Meryl teaches us.
Will Smith
5 / 14
Barry Wetcher | Warner Bros.
Outside of the Olympics, we don't hear much about fencing these days. However, if anyone can make the sport cool again it's Will Smith, who takes the time to fence with fellow Hollywood pals David Beckham and Tom Cruise!
Mike Tyson
6 / 14
Eric Ogden | Discovery Communications
In 2011, Mike Tyson's series Taking on Tyson explored one of his lifetime hobbies: pigeon racing. Tyson grew up raising and breeding pigeons in Brownsville, Brooklyn, before he became the world-renowned famous boxer we all know today!
Angelina Jolie
7 / 14
Universal Studios
Knives have always been a huge fascination of Angelina Jolie's. The Mr. and Mrs. Smith actress even admitted to using them during her first sexual relationship, telling 20/20: "I got my knives out and there was a night where we attacked each other." Jolie still collects old knives from around the world, but obviously keeps them locked tightly away from her children!
Seth Myers
8 / 14
Andrew Schwartz | Warner Bros.
As an avid comic book collector, it must have been a dream come true when Seth Myers got to write one himself. In 2009, the actor/comedian was a guest co-writer on a one-time, special issue of Marvel Comics' Spider-Man.
Leslie Mann
9 / 14
Universal Pictures
Known for her wacky characters, actress Leslie Mann can be just as quirky off-screen. Mann has been riding unicycles since she was a kid, and she might just be ready for the circus, telling Oprah Magazine: "Now I can do all kinds of tricks, like cycling backward and jumping off curbs."
Tom Hanks
10 / 14
Tom Hanks is so enthusiastic about his typewriter collection (borderline obsession!) that he even wrote a short story anthology inspired by the machines. He was originally drawn to manual typewriters because he felt they were "beautiful works of art," but he also found that they were a great thing to "blow show-business money on."
Simon Cowell
11 / 14
@justsimoncowell | Instagram
Clearly, in touch with his inner child, Simon Cowell likes to climb trees and watch cartoons. Not just any cartoon will suffice, however, as he has a strong affinity toward retro cartoons including The Flintstones and The Jetsons which he watches every morning from the bathtub to put him in a good mood!
Quentin Tarantino
12 / 14
Live Entertainment
Considering how colorful he is, it's not surprising that Quentin Tarantino has a quirky hobby. The Oscar-winning filmmaker enjoys collecting retro TV board games. His large collection includes games inspired by classic series like I Dream of Jeannie, The Dukes of Hazzard, Dawn of the Dead and Universe.
Steve Martin
13 / 14
@SteveMartinToGo | Twitter
Steve Martin has seriously done his part in dispelling the hillbilly stigma associated with strumming the banjo. An avid banjo player for most of his life, the comedian learned how to play as a child and even won a Grammy for his debut banjo album in 2009.Who knew?!
Johnny Depp
14 / 14
Depending on how weird you think Johnny Depp is, it may or may not surprise you to learn about his habit of playing with dolls. The actor said he used to test out and shape his various characters during playtime with his daughter Lily-Rose until she got tired of it, telling Jimmy Kimmel: "I've got a lot of Barbies in storage."


text:
Free to tweet: Northwestern's restrictions on football players ruled unlawful
by abcnews.go.com
In an unprecedented foray into college sports, the National Labor Relations Board has declared that Northwestern University must eliminate "unlawful" rules governing football players and allow them greater freedom to express themselves. The ruling, which referred to players as employees, found that they must be freely allowed to post on social media, discuss issues of their health and safety, and speak with the media. The new rules apply to the football programs at the 17 private universities that play in the FBS, including schools such as Notre Dame, Stanford and Baylor -- but not public universities. As the nation's top labor agency, the NLRB governs relations between private employers and their employees, so it has no power over public schools. Its findings on Northwestern became public on Friday in response to an ESPN.com Freedom of Information Act request. The 17 private schools will no longer be able to ban players from posting on social media --...
Read Full Article On abcnews.go.com
Read Full Article On abcnews.go.com


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Mandelbrot Phaseshift by pifactorialWatch
©2013-2017 pifactorial
A combination of Mandelbrot Resequenced Tomograph and Mandelbrot Pointillism. This plots the phase of the renormalization terms of decomposed Mandelbrot orbits (with phase mapped to time). Discontinuities exist because the orbit sequences are different lengths (i.e. values outside the Mandelbrot set get really large really fast, so we have to cut the sequences short).