ICIC to bridge cultural, language gaps of Hoosier businesses

Recently, 25 scholars and fundraisers from around the globe gathered for a day at IUPUI to discover and discuss common areas of interest in how language is used for fund-raising purposes. The meeting was developed by IUPUI's new Indiana Center for Intercultural Communication (ICIC) and sponsored by the Center on Philanthropy at IUPUI.

"International business is booming, but there are many problems and situations that companies face which we can help solve." Ulla Connor, director Indiana Center for Intercultural Communication

Soon there will be other meetings of scholars and business persons.

The conferences are some of the initial efforts of ICIC designed to help people working in the international arena keep up with the constant changes going on, especially in communications. Director Ulla Connor, who is an IUPUI English professor, believes the center will serve as an important link between educators and the business arena.

Director of the Indiana Center for Intercultural Communication (ICIC), Ulla Connor, will guide the fledgling center in designing programs for Hoosier businesses involved in international pursuits.

"We're in a wonderful situation here in Indianapolis and central Indiana," she said. "International business is booming, but there are many problems and situations that companies face which we can help solve. Technology has had a tremendous impact on international communications between businesses. Whether it's E-mail or the Internet or faxes, standards are changing." Cultural differences complicate the situation, and it is hard for business leaders to keep up.

Center faculty and researchers will provide practical training for company officials in language and culture, while gathering first-hand knowledge that can be incorporated into education texts, manuals and training sessions. The center will include faculty from many disciplines and will coordinate research, teaching and service activities.

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