Intercultural communication

Abstract

Intercultural communication (IC) can be defined as communication where cultural and linguistic differences are perceived as relevant to the interaction by the participants involved or by the researchers observing it. The intercultural dimensions to language teaching have always been present, but the rapid spread of globalization has seen an increased focus on learning languages for global connections and intercultural communication. This has been particularly true of English and ELT due to the role that English language use has played in the processes of globalization. The growing importance of IC in ELT means that it needs to be incorporated more deeply and systematically into teacher education, teaching materials, classroom practices and assessment. This entails expanding communicative competence to incorporate intercultural competence and awareness, replacing the native speaker with an intercultural speaker, and a critical approach to language, culture and identity that encourages learners to question taken for granted assumptions and stereotypes.

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ORCID for Will Baker: orcid.org/0000-0003-0533-2795

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