| The advent of modern technology, especially the | | | | for instance - is to be avoided unless the Assignee is |
| Internet, has made access easier and cheaper to | | | | very sure the local audience understands them well. |
| people worldwide such that it helped speed up | | | | Also, the presence of globally known brands, |
| globalization. | | | | products and services does not mean that the locals |
| Along with it, the transfer of International Assignees | | | | possess the same level of mindset. |
| across geographical borders perpetuates the use of | | | | Similarly, the pervasive use of technological tools like |
| the English language. That has never been as | | | | Short Message Service [SMS] and e-mail among locals |
| pervasive or as widely, although variations of the | | | | does not mean that cultural mishaps will not occur. |
| language and degree of fluency differ from country | | | | Nor should the excuse that these tools prevent the |
| to country, individual to individual. | | | | Assignee from displaying appropriate body language |
| It is therefore imperative that the Assignee be | | | | be used as a "reason" why communication breaks |
| sensitive of both connotations and implications that | | | | down. |
| may arise as a result of local usage; further | | | | The consequences to the organization if and when |
| influenced by the local languages where English is a | | | | such mishaps occur regularly are certainly too much |
| second or third, or foreign language. Even if English is | | | | to bear: in terms of financial costs, intradepartmental |
| the locals' first language, they may not comprehend | | | | morale, reputation; and most pertinently, Competitive |
| the Assignee's peculiar brand of humour whatsoever. | | | | Advantage and Market Leadership. |
| As it is, usage of slangs or lingo - sport and technical, | | | | |