THE ROLE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE LESSONS IN DEVELOPING INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE
Keywords:
Intercultural competence, English language teaching, cultural awareness, global communication, multicultural education, communicative competence, authentic materials, cross-cultural interaction, learner motivation, global citizenship.Abstract
The article explores the significant role of English language lessons in fostering learners’ intercultural competence in a globalized educational environment. It emphasizes that learning a foreign language is not limited to mastering grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, but also involves understanding cultural values, traditions, communication styles, and social norms of different communities. The author highlights how English classrooms can serve as a platform for developing openness, tolerance, empathy, and respect toward cultural diversity. Various teaching strategies are discussed, including the use of authentic materials, project-based learning, role-playing, intercultural dialogue, and digital communication tools that expose learners to real-life cultural contexts. The article also underlines the importance of teachers’ intercultural awareness and their ability to integrate cultural content into language instruction effectively. Furthermore, it explains how intercultural competence enhances students’ communicative skills, critical thinking, and global citizenship, preparing them for international cooperation and professional mobility.
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