The Concept of Interactive Business Competence in English and German.

The status of different approaches to teaching business English in West Germany are explored, and it is concluded that business profiles, business situations, and the development of language skills must be considered in designing a business language course. The concept of interactive business competence in English and German as a basis for business language instruction is based on the understanding that language is a form of interaction transcending language skills, and that interactive language teaching needs to incorporate intercultural aspects into a situational approach. The perspective taken is that of a designer of business English instruction in Germany. It is concluded that: (1) business language courses should be oriented to the roles students will assume later in their jobs, (2) teaching methods should use a business-related situational approach emphasizing formal and informal communication, and (3) the overall goals of the programs should be to prepare students to interact competently in English in their roles as managers. (MSE)