Facets of Intercultural Communication Employed in the Conversations of Local Arab Traders in Bahrain

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of the position of English as in the case of Bahrain where Arabic is the official and national language. The study reviewed literatures on intercultural communication, accommodation strategy, and on negotiation / bargaining strategy by pursuing the following questions: (1) What intercultural communication strategies do local Arab traders employ in their conversations with other non-Arabic speakers and (2) How do they achieve desired business communication goals with other non-Arabic speakers? In the course of the discussion, the data shows that Bahraini traders have become conversant with some English words through their daily business interactions with their customers and employees. They are obligated to communicate with other non-Arabic speakers in English, as they are aware of their limitations in speaking Arabic. This type of grassroot interactions help them build a safety valve, rapport, and cordiality with their customers and employees in the business context.