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Abstract

Kazakh business discourse is a relatively new area for research, and hence many of the cultural preferences are yet to be explored. This paper focuses on measuring Hofstede’s power distance index for Kazakh culture. A novel technique is proposed, where verbal index is calculated from analysis of publically available texts delivered by representatives of different cultures. In particular, we analyzed public speeches delivered by leaders ofNew Zealand,UK,Germany,Australia,USA,Greece,China,India, andKazakhstan. From these texts we derived a verbal index, which closely correlated to Hofstede’s power distance data. As a result, we were able to obtain a power distance index of 58 forKazakhstan, which was previously unavailable in literature. Furthermore, this method can be used as a cheaper alternative to conducting surveys in estimating Hofstede’s power distance indexes for different cultures.Keywords: Power distance, business discourse, language context

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This article considers methods for developing metalanguage competence through content and branch training. Metalanguage competence is among the most important professional competences for the specialist’s formation in the sphere of foreign-language education within the framework of content and branch training. Metalanguage competence implies the accumulation of terminological knowledge and the ability to properly use foreign terms. For content and branch training, it is very important to have metalanguage competence since any sphere and field are characterized by their own specific terminology, which can be understood in a foreign language by learning the metalanguage of an industry through primary consciousness constructs in one’s native language. As a result, one can operate a specialized terminology in a foreign language. In the framework of foreign-language education, specialists in natural sciences should master a specific terminology for intercultural communication at a professional level since terms reflect main provisions in any field of knowledge and contain basic professional information. This article describes the experiment and its results achieved in the work with students at the Kazakh Ablai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages in order to determine the current development of metalanguage competence in content and branch training.