Axtell Do's and Taboos of Using English

by Roger E. Axtell

"Roger Axtell is the international Emily Post."-The New Yorker

English has become the global language-the dominant language used in international trade, science, technology, and travel. But for most Americans, the potential for linguistic misunderstanding, confusion, and embarrassment when using English with nonnative speakers is greater now than ever. In this essential guide, veteran international businessman and raconteur Roger E. Axtell shows you how to use English successfully in any business or social context-and how to avoid making embarrassing or misleading statements to people who are trying to understand you. Inside you'll
* Valuable rules for making yourself understood when communicating with people from other cultures
* Dozens of amusing anecdotes that illustrate the potential trials and pitfalls of using American English around the world
* The important differences between American English and the English spoken in Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and South Africa
* Helpful advice on using interpreters and translators
* Special sections on communicating in English with speakers of other languages, including Japanese, German, French, and Italian
* Tips on telephone conversation and dangerous cognates

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Language

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1995

Reviews

[Erikka]

I wasn't impressed. Some of the things were interesting, but most of it was outdated and even sometimes offensive to the cultures mentioned. Even some things that weren't outwardly offensive were stereotypical thoughts that could be construed as offensive. Also, and this is just something that bothers me, when you teach me a word in another language, don't just write it phonetically, show me what it looks like spelled properly!

[Mike]

A light read with a lot fun anecdotes to illustrate particular points. Very rudimentary discussion of cultural differences that influence communication.

[David]

Books about words have to be very good to hold up over time. It is a high bar and certainly this is not the only book ever published that falls short.

[John Gentry]

you know I really pondered whether to keep this book or give it away. I went back and forth throwing pros and con's out. on one hand I enjoyed the humor and I thought, "wouldn't this type of book always contain valuable information?" on the other hand I couldn't help thinking it was dated. after an additional read through the other hand one out.

[Lindig]

useful stuff, though not an indepth study.

[Peterson]

fgh

[Blue Caeruleus]

I really enjoyed this one! It's both a humorous and an informative account of the difficulties that people all over the world have the English language, particularly the American dialect(s).