Acquisition of Integrated Language-Culture Competency in a Multi-Cultural Work Place

Abstract

This paper examines data collected in a multi-cultural work place. It investigates the process of participants learning by doing and rigorously examines connections between language learning and cultural practices. The key concept is that participants acquire integrated competencies necessary for intercultural business practitioners in the actual field where multicultural participants work together through engaging in performing an authentic activity. The finding indicates that learning in the field is not about absorbing or imparting knowledge but gaining understanding of the world through participating in relevant activities.