摘要: This article explores discourse and the business relationship at meetings attended by participants who come from a variety of cultures use English as common language. It shows how analysis selected linguistic features can be related to Goffman's (1974, 1981) notion frames participation frameworks, providing richer analysis. Data for study are audio recordings an Italian company's its international distributors, distributors 12-15 countries, company members occasional outside participants. After briefly describing rationale investigating categories features, uses data extracts illustrate show language reflects construes relationship. relates roles meeting well meeting, it raises issues concerning elements corporate culture other levels culture.