Intercultural Communicative Competence of University Students

Abstract

The article focuses on applying intercultural awareness in English language teaching for university students. Teaching a foreign language cannot be separated from teaching about other cultures. The use of English as a tool for intercultural communication plays an important role in acquiring knowledge on other countries and their culture. In such aspect teaching English cannot be separated from teaching about other cultures. Effective ways of acquiring intercultural competence are solving practical problems, dealing with case studies and using authentic materials. Most case studies require students to answer open-ended questions or develop a solution to an open-ended problem with potential solutions. Good training can help understand intercultural differences in the areas like decision making, communication style, management style, leadership and meetings. The acquired skills will allow them to interact in an appropriate way when working with people who have different cultural backgrounds. The role of the teacher is to facilitate and monitor their work and possibly correct mistakes made by students. Effective communication requires more than mastering grammar and vocabulary of a language. It is the process that requires also knowledge of culture. Culture becomes an important part of the language teaching process. Having knowledge in intercultural competence is the key to successful professional activity for future specialists.