Business EnglishBusiness

Why the Dutch Say No and the Japanese Don't

A Business English English lesson exploring business.

businessfull consolidation

What's in this lesson

A Business English ESL lesson on business, practising full consolidation. The worksheet has a reading, target vocabulary, a grammar reference with practice and discussion questions.

From the reading: Why the Dutch Say No and the Japanese Don't

Here's a strange little fact: in the Netherlands, saying "no, that won't work" in a meeting is not rude. It's helpful. Dutch business culture prizes bespreekbaarheid — roughly, "the ability to discuss anything openly." A blunt no saves everyone time. Nobody's feelings are expected to get involved.

Vocabulary

flag up
hold off
smooth over
work through
common ground
de-escalate
it might be worth
mindset shift
silver lining

Grammar: Full Consolidation

Mixed hedging: It might be worth considering a revised deadline. — softens a suggestion without weakening it
Diplomatic conditional: If we were to delay, we would need to inform the client. — distances the speaker from blame

Discussion questions

Have you noticed how some colleagues never say 'no' directly?
Why do you think silence sometimes means disagreement at work?
Have you noticed how tone changes depending on who's in the room?

Why the Dutch Say No and the Japanese Don't

Grammar: Full consolidation

What's in this lesson:

Full lesson plan with reading, grammar, vocabulary, and discussion.

Start with a free trial — 5 lesson generations included

Get Started Free