The Application of Vague Language in International Business Negotiations from a Cross-cultural Perspective

in the environment of economic globalization, business negotiation becomes more and more frequent than ever. International business negotiation has a significant role in international business trade. There are many factors that can affect the negotiation, including language, culture, negotiators, and negotiation strategies. Language as an important tool plays a great role in the negotiation strategies. It is commonly held that precise language should be used in business negotiations in order to avoid misunderstanding. However, people ignore the fact that language itself is vague in essence. Negotiators unavoidably use vague language in business negotiations, for vague language can be used as a kind of politeness strategy. Appropriate use of vague language will make the negotiation go smoothly, and avoid the conflict of business negotiation so as to achieve the purpose of cooperation.