Notional and structural components of intercultural competence

Abstract

The article is devoted to complex study of the problem of intercultural competence in the context of general theory of intercultural communication. The author has substantiated the main approaches in order to define the content of such concepts as «competence» and «competency», and has determined common and different features in their interpretation. Based on the analysis that was carried out, there have been specified various kinds of competence, among which special attention is given to defining intercultural competence. This kind of competence is characterized as a combination of knowledge, abilities and skills by which the subject of communication obtains an ability to interact effectively with representatives of other cultures. It has been determined that the most successful strategy of intercultural competence is integration, that is preservation of native cultural identity together with mastering the culture of other nations. Intercultural communication is interaction of persons, groups or organizations belonging to different cultures. At this, the crucial importance is given to cultural differences, the ability to perceive, understand and consider them properly in the
process of communication. Since the main task and sense of any communicative process is the desire to be understood by your
partner that foresees the necessity to transmit one’s own information, knowledge and experience as full as possible and with maximum accuracy to the interlocutor. The aim of the article is to determine notional and structural determinants of intercultural competence, to specify the terminological meaning of the concepts of «competence» and «competency», to provide theoretical analysis of the technologies of intercultural competence formation and to reveal the factors, ways and means which determine its cognitive and procedural strategies.