Auteur: Paul Van Zanten

As providers of language courses and intercultural communication training we at BBi Communication have clients from varying backgrounds, industries and organisations. Even with such variety, we see several themes that are consistent across organisational demographics. In this article, we’ll share our top-five pressure points which have led to many mutually-beneficial...

Whenever something new is introduced, there are inevitably criticisms. DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusive culture) practices are no different. As this relatively new approach to people and culture management is adopted by more and more organisations, some criticisms and critiques have stood out. The following list offers answers to 7...

Dutch influence can be seen in many places: from a Dutch-themed amusement park in Japan, to the creation of donuts and gin as well as in vocabulary and place names. In this article we’ll explore 10 commonly used English words, which come from the Dutch language. Bluff – Often used...

When making any change in behaviour, it is important to think it through: why are you changing your behaviour and how are you going to do it? For our example, we’ll take a look at behavioural change behind learning a new language This takes a varied approach. Repetitive practice and...

The boy with his finger in the dike. Sasquatch. Rapunzel. Leprechauns. You might recognize some of these myths and legends. Their stories told have been passed down through the ages, though that doesn’t make them true. In this article we’ll tackle some of the most common myths about learning a...

Ever call someone sir or ma’am only to get asked, or told, not to? In America, people are sometimes offended when addressed formally as sir or ma’am as it implies they are of a certain age. Depending on where you’re from or what language(s) you speak, your connection to formal...

Learning a language is a process that takes time and determination. Motivation and drive to do so can fluctuate. With that in mind, we’ve come up with some tips to help you get the most out of your efforts. Before your course: Start engaging with your target language. Music, movies,...

Behavioural change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort and engagement. With that in mind, we’ve written out some tips to help you get the most out of our Intercultural Communication training.  Before your training: Before the start of your course it’s helpful to start engaging with the topic. Keep...

Wanneer je een taal vloeiend beheerst, houdt dat in dat je jezelf makkelijk verstaanbaar kunt maken en jezelf volledig kunt uitdrukken in die taal. Meer dan ooit komen mensen in werksituaties in contact met personen met andere achtergronden en taalniveaus. Als er binnen een organisatie regelmatig contact is tussen werknemers...

Een bekende uitspraak luidt: ‘People don’t quit a job, they quit their boss’. Hoewel de statistieken dit niet allemaal onderbouwen, heeft het een kern van waarheid. Mensen werken graag voor een organisatie die hen gelijkwaardig behandelt en hen inspireert hun best te doen. Voor bedrijven is het daarom cruciaal om managers...