皆さんこんにちは。ILC国際語学センターです。
今月より、ILCのビジネス英語・企業研修主任教師のJohn Mukts先生が、
日本のビジネスパーソンが間違えやすい英語表現や使えるビジネス英語、時事トピックスなどについて解説していきます。
記念すべき第1回目は、「discussion」と「argumentation」の違いについてです。
日本語では両方とも「議論」といわれる単語ですが、どのような違いがあるのでしょうか。
早速John先生の解説を見てみましょう。
What is the difference between an argument and a discussion?
We often hear these words used interchangeably in general conversation. In both cases we can use the verb “have”: “have a discussion” and “have an argument”. However, when we say “have an argument”, it reminds us of the negative connotation of having a strong verbal fight. Two people might start yelling at each other. We would say “They are having an argument.”
In our work in the Logical Discussion and Argumentation course, we do not want to have to use this definition for the word argument. We would like to be able to form well-structured and logical arguments, and not to have arguments that are screaming insult sessions. We do this by comparing and practicing discussions and arguments.
A discussion is much more general than an argument. A discussion is the act of talking about something with another person or a group of people, or a conversation about something.
Examples
The class was involved in a discussion about the upcoming Olympic games.After much discussion of the proposal, it was rejected entirely.
On the other hand, an argument is more structured, sometimes formal (debate) with two (or more) sides having different positions trying to have their positions accepted. It is a statement or a series of statements for or against something.
Examples
They made a strong argument for our proposal.The lawyer presented the closing argument at the trial
His argument did not convince his opponents.
I want to hear both sides of the argument.
The best way we can differentiate the meaning of these words is by saying “We can win an argument.”, but not “We can win a discussion”. Similarly, we can say “She has a strong argument.”, but not “She has a strong discussion.” This underlying concept of an argument as a competition having a winner and a loser is very important, and this is the reason why having good argumentation skills is more valuable than just having good discussion skills, especially when you need to have your innovative strategies implemented for your company.
次回は11月中旬に更新予定です。
※John先生が記事の中で紹介した「Logical Discussion and Argumentation」コースは、私たちのGlobal Leadership Language Training (GLLT)コースの1モジュールです。
様々なビジネスシチュエーションに特化した英語スキルに焦点をあて、論理性と説得力のある英語力を養成していきます。
コースの詳細についてはお問い合わせください！
担当教師
John Mukts （ILC 企業研修主任）
国際的な英語教師資格TESOL取得。数々の企業にてビジネスパーソンやグローバルリーダー向け英語研修を20年以上担当。プレゼンテーション・ミーティングなどのビジネスに焦点をおいたILCオリジナルビジネス英語プログラムGLLT（Global Leadership Language Training)の開発にも従事。ビジネスに直結した指導と、ポイントを明確かつ丁寧に教えるティーチングスタイルは、初級者から上級者まで、幅広い受講層から高い評価を得ている。
