INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE IN THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Abstract

The need for language competence in a global society touches every sector of life. From career preparation in an international workforce to citizen diplomacy and national defense to one’s role in a social or virtual community, communication across cultures is the key. Learners today must have the linguistic proficiency to communicate with global audiences, insight into the cultural perspectives that shape those audiences, and the ability to behave appropriately in a variety of cultural contexts. Intercultural competence, therefore, is the demonstration of interaction between the use of language skills and cultural knowledge. The national World Readiness Standards for Learning Languages highlights the need for learners to understand the relationship between a culture’s perspectives and its products and practices. Demonstrating intercultural competence requires both the ability to use the language and behave appropriately in cultural contexts. Learners and educators must recognize that language and culture are inseparable. This requires the near exclusive use of the language of study. Thus, as language proficiency grows, so will intercultural competence.