THE ROLE OF LANGUAGE IN THE FORMATION OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Keywords:
language, intercultural communication, university students, multilingualism, intercultural competence, higher education, cultural awareness, communication skills, globalization, English language.Abstract
Language plays a fundamental role in the development of intercultural communication among university students in the modern globalized educational environment. Universities have become multicultural spaces where students from different linguistic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds interact daily. Effective communication in such settings depends largely on language competence, cultural awareness, and the ability to understand diverse perspectives. This article examines the role of language in shaping intercultural communication among university students and analyzes how multilingualism, foreign language learning, and intercultural competence contribute to successful academic and social interaction. The study also explores the challenges students face in intercultural communication, including language barriers, stereotypes, and cultural misunderstandings. Special attention is given to the role of English as an international language of academic communication and its influence on intercultural interaction in higher education institutions. The article highlights the importance of integrating intercultural communication strategies into university curricula to promote tolerance, cooperation, and global citizenship among students. The findings demonstrate that language is not only a tool for transmitting information but also a medium for cultural exchange, identity formation, and mutual understanding
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