May 2003

Handy Tips is a monthly guide on language and cultural issues affecting businesses.

To celebrate the first edition, RLN NE would like to give you the chance to win a trip for two to Norway, courtesy of Fjordline.
To enter, simply "recommend a friend" and answer the following questions:

1. When corresponding with government officials in Malaysia, which language should you use?
Check out the cultural etiquette guides at www.rln-northeast.com for help!

2. How many ferry operators are there sailing to Western Norway?
The answer can be found on www.fjordline.co.uk

Email your answers to rln-northeast@onenortheast.co.uk by 5pm on Friday 9th May, enclosing the name and email address of a colleague who will receive future editions of Handy Tips.

The first correct answer pulled out of the hat will be on their way to Norway!!! A language pack is up for grabs for one lucky runner-up!

Did you know that one in five companies are losing business in international markets,
as a result of a lack of language skills and cultural awareness? RLN NE is building a network of businesses, language service providers and key players to overcome such barriers.

BLIS Professionals (Business Language Information Service)
Companies requiring support with foreign language translation, interpreting, language and cultural training can search the BLIS database for details of approved language service providers. www.rln-northeast.com/blis/index.htm

BLIS Jobs New! New! New!
BLIS Jobs is designed to bring supply and demand together. It enables candidates with language skills to register their details and companies looking for employees with language skills to browse the database and place adverts.

Diary date
Increase your competitive advantage... The seminar will raise awareness of the important use of effective English when dealing with non-native speakers who use International Business English.
Date:6th May Time:9.30 - 11.00am Venue: The Samsung Centre, Wynyard Park
To register, please email rebeccasloan@service-network.co.uk

Coming up...

Next month's highlights will include tips on overcoming cultural differences in China and information on the new European Languages Portfolio.

Share your success!
If your company has profited from developing good international communication skills, why not share your experiences and handy tips with the network? (email:rln-northeast@onenortheast.co.uk)

Click below to access the RLN NE website for additional information:
www.rln-northeast.com

Look out for next month's quiz and top prize - a mini cruise to Amsterdam!

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