Shaun Berlin

Berlin: The ″Carnival of Cultures″ | DW Travel | DW.COM | 13.05.2016

Every year during Pentecost weekend, Berlin residents and lots of tourists gather in Kreuzberg district for a celebration of cultural diversity. It’s a great chance to get delicious, authentic food and learn more about the people who live in this amazing city.

Berlin, the capital of Germany, is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich cultural history. One of the most significant cultural events that takes place in Berlin every year is the Carnival of Cultures. This event, which is held over the course of four days in late May, celebrates the diversity of the city’s inhabitants and their cultural heritage.

The Carnival of Cultures is a colorful and lively event that features a parade of floats, live music, and traditional dances from around the world. It is attended by thousands of people from all over Berlin and is considered to be one of the largest street festivals in Europe. The parade is led by a group of samba dancers and drummers, followed by an array of colorful floats representing different cultures and countries. The floats are decorated with traditional costumes, flags, and other cultural symbols, and they are usually accompanied by groups of dancers and musicians.

The event is not only a celebration of different cultures but also a platform for integration and learning. It is a great opportunity for visitors to learn more about different cultures, customs and traditions. The festival is also a great way to meet people from different backgrounds and to improve your language skills. The event is a great opportunity to practice your English as many visitors come from different countries. Especially when you meet people from other countries, you can learn a lot about different cultures and customs.

The festival also includes a wide range of food and drink stalls, offering a diverse selection of traditional dishes from around the world. Visitors can enjoy delicious food and drink from different cultures and countries, including African, Asian, and European cuisine.

The Carnival of Cultures is not only a celebration of the diversity of the city’s inhabitants but also a celebration of the city itself. Berlin is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and the festival is a great way to experience this heritage. The event is a great opportunity to learn more about the city and its history, as well as to enjoy the stimulating and fiery atmosphere of the city.

In conclusion, the Berlin Carnival of Cultures is a vibrant and diverse event that celebrates the cultural heritage of the city’s inhabitants. It is a great opportunity to learn more about different cultures, customs, and traditions, and also to improve your language skills. The event is a great way to experience the rich cultural heritage of Berlin and to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the city. It is a must-see event for anyone visiting Berlin and is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant and diverse culture.

Source: Berlin: The ″Carnival of Cultures″ | DW Travel | DW.COM | 13.05.2016

Shaun Business blogs

Benefits of in-country hire

View in Berlin
View in Berlin

Good human resources management in an international company means getting the right people in the right jobs at the right time. But what is your version of right? There is no one size fits all approach to hiring that means there are no risks and what is right for other digital startups might not be right for yours. If you are thinking about what  the right way is for your company to expand into Europe please read on.

If this is your company’s first step into the relative unknown that is the European market, it’s not possible to get away from the fact that it is different from North America. There are different cultures to deal with. While an American employee may brag about the amount of hours they have worked that week or the lack of vacation days taken that year a European worker is legally entitled to paid time off and will expect to take it. And its not just holidays, there are organisational cultures which vary from U.S. to E.U. too.

Profit is not the only motivator, society as a whole is more of consideration as well and there is far more bureaucracy as a rule in European countries. Having an insider who is used to dealing with the vagaries of town officials and their requests could be invaluable.

If the main base for your company is going to stay in the U.S. then you need to have people you can trust, and who subscribe to your values, in control. It is crucial that they project your company’s principles through your expansion. You might be roughly 5 and a half thousand miles or more away and its unrealistic to be expect to be able to micromanage at that distance (and with those time zones). It might feel safer to send someone who you know, and who knows your company’s way of working. But safer isn’t always better and relocating to another continent is a big commitment. Will your go-to guy (or girl) be able to make that kind of pledge? Would you want them to? Anyone who is going to cross half the world is not going to be able to do it at the drop of a hat.

If you are looking to expand across the Atlantic, it is likely that you are also wanting to grow your network, something which is made much easier with people who have fully developed support infrastructures. If it is truly not what, but who you know, then having the right contacts can be crucial.

Also, having fresh input into your company could be invaluable for the development of your company. The different cultures mentioned earlier will result in a different world view, and fresh eyes might be able to solve a problem you didn’t even know existed. This influx could provide the innovation that turn your great idea into a game-changer. And let’s face it, you are not truly a multinational company while you are exclusively hiring American employees, albeit in “non-American” locations.

Another important factor to bear in mind is speed of delivery. If a week is a long time in politics, 6 months can be a lifetime when it comes to digital start-ups. What is hot right now can quickly become obsolete, or have its potential market wiped out by a competitor who just got to market that little quicker. Although notice periods tend to be longer in Europe (typically 3 months), this compares favorably with the time it would take to relocate the necessary American resources. Once you take into account that the EU is churning out over 2 million graduates a year,  across all fields the future suddenly looks bright when it comes to finding the right talent to help your company progress further.

english online training
Shaun English Learning

5 more reasons why native speakers need to learn to speak English internationally | ETp

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is more important than ever for native English speakers to think about the international implications of their communication. Here are several reasons why this is important.

  1. Increased global interconnectedness: With the rise of technology and the internet, it is easier than ever to communicate with people from all over the world. Native English speakers need to be aware of how their communication may be perceived by people from different cultures, and make an effort to be sensitive to cultural differences.
  2. English as a global language: English is widely spoken and understood around the world, making it an important language for international communication. Native English speakers have a responsibility to use the language accurately and appropriately in order to promote effective communication and avoid misunderstandings.
  3. Cultural sensitivity: English speakers need to be mindful of the cultural context in which they are communicating. They should be aware of the cultural norms and expectations of their audience and avoid using expressions or idioms that may be considered offensive.
  4. Business communication: In today’s global economy, it is common for businesses to operate in multiple countries and cultures. Native English speakers working in international settings need to be able to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients from different cultures and backgrounds.
  5. Avoiding stereotypes: Native English speakers should be aware of the stereotypes associated with their own culture, as well as the cultures of those they are communicating with. They should avoid perpetuating these stereotypes in their communication and instead strive to understand and appreciate cultural differences.
  6. Building cultural bridges: Effective communication can help to build cultural bridges and promote understanding and cooperation between different cultures. Native English speakers have a responsibility to use their language skills to promote mutual understanding and respect.
  7. Promoting linguistic diversity: The use of English as a global language can sometimes lead to the suppression of other languages and cultures. Native English speakers should be aware of this and make an effort to respect and promote linguistic diversity.
  8. Adapting communication styles: Native English speakers should be aware of the different communication styles used in different cultures, and be prepared to adapt their own communication style accordingly.
  9. Professional and academic contexts: In professional and academic contexts, the way the message is delivered is as important as the message itself. Native English speakers should be aware of the conventions and expectations of their audience and adapt their communication accordingly.
  10. Empathy and understanding: Ultimately, effective international communication requires empathy and understanding. Native English speakers should strive to understand the perspectives and experiences of those they are communicating with, and communicate in a way that is respectful and inclusive.

In conclusion, native English speakers need to think about the international implications of their communication in order to promote effective and respectful communication with people from different cultures. This requires an awareness of cultural differences, an understanding of the role of English as a global language, and a willingness to adapt communication styles and avoid stereotypes. By being mindful of these issues, native English speakers can help to build cultural bridges and promote understanding and cooperation between different cultures.

For further reading, check out below:

In her blogpost this week, Chia Suan Chong looks at more reasons why native English speakers need to think about the international implications of their communication.

Source: 5 more reasons why native speakers need to learn to speak English internationally | ETp