Listen to a short introductory talk about causes of globalisation and complete the notes below. Listening 12 a 25989v 41 Causes of globalisation developments in transport (easier, faster and safer – from horse-drawn carriages to trains, cars and lorries, planes and ships; invention of (1) ) political changes (e.g. the fall of (2) and the opening of borders in countries like China) economic developments (e.g. labour and financial markets were (3) ; liberalisation of trade, founding of WTO and RTAs like EU, NAFTA, MERCOSUR, ASEAN) technical innovations in communication (e.g. the internet and (4) ) improved language skills and increasing (5) ; use of English as a world language or (6) In pairs, take turns to explain the terms you have filled in. Work in pairs. Read the list of the most important effects of globalisation. Decide whether the items are positive or negative consequences of globalisation. Depending on the perspective, some of them could be seen as either. List them under pros and cons according to your view of them and find arguments to support your decision. b Reading & Speaking 13 Effects of globalisation higher profits for (multinational) companies that are able to cater for world markets companies can relocate to countries with cheaper office space, lower costs of labour, less stringent environmental standards etc. or they can outsource production or services to low cost countries like India or Bangladesh destruction of indigenous cultures and customs (‘Coca-Colarisation’) information overload (compassion fatigue) exploitation of poor countries and their resources and people through multinational companies (down-thumbing/erosion of labour laws and health and safety standards) e.g. working conditions in sweatshops in Asia and Chinese companies in Africa consumers can choose from an almost unlimited number of goods greater mobility of people (migrant workers and students) negative environmental impact (long transport routes, mass tourism) information exchange and cultural exchange that can lead to a better understanding between people spread of Western economic practices (e.g. free market and its effects on former communist countries) access to consumer goods and popular culture (films, music) for people formerly excluded from them growing diversity (populations, employees, student bodies are no longer homogeneous but come from different backgrounds, cultures, religions etc.) economic, political and health crises are no longer limited to a country or area but can spread worldwide; danger of contagion or domino effects (e.g. economic crises, terrorism, pandemics) multicultural competence (i.e. the ability to function – communicate, work, manage daily life – in different cultural environments) spreading of ‘Western’ democratic values and human rights ideas (e.g. Arab spring) ever-lengthening supply chains with companies no longer fully aware of where and how their goods are produced (CSR) Language skills Extras Explore 10 Trading with the world 129 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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