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Cultural Interviews

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Cultural Interviews - Turkish

Cultural Interviews with Turkish Executives is a compilation of over 180 brief video clips in which Turkish executives discuss cultural issues that are of interest to North Americans. Over 30 native Turkish professionals offer their opinion on these questions. The objective of the interviews is three-fold: First, provide practical cultural information. The opinions represent those of real people. At times they are even contradictory, but they are designed to be a catalyst for discussion, not to provide a definitive answer about some stereotype. Second, the interviews provide vocabulary in areas within a professional setting. The interviews present diverse vocabulary within the context of each individual's comments. Third, these materials provide non-native speakers of Turkish with multiple examples of natural speech, illustrating the way that speakers really talk.

Click on any of the topics below and you will be taken to a page with the corresponding videos. Each youtube video is accompanied by a transcript and English translation, and you may also turn on/off the subtitles as desired.

Working w/ North Americans

  1. Initial fact-finding phase
  2. Reacting to initial resistance
  3. Reformulating strategies
  4. Ratification from superiors
  5. Follow-up after negotiations
  6. Logistical and emotional needs
  7. Stereotype: Limited cultural knowledge

Professional Activities

  1. Communication Style
  2. Type of office
  3. Government & politics
  4. Ability vs. connections
  5. Race, color, and gender
  6. Working in groups
  7. Getting side-tracked
  8. Putting things in writing
  9. Mixing business and pleasure

Language Issues

  1. Which language to speak
  2. Use of interpreters
  3. Saying, 'Yes' or 'No'
  4. Avoid offending others

Social Situations

  1. Formal and informal language
  2. Greeting others
  3. Gift giving
  4. Non-drinkers and vegetarians
  5. Invitations to a home
  6. Clothing and dress
  7. Names and titles
  8. Professional vs. personal life

Time and Scheduling

  1. Business and food
  2. Time is money

Authors: h.brinsko, renato-montes.