Developing intercultural competence

Before you start, look at the objectives. You should also read the comments, which focus on didactical issues.

• Definition ...

Knowledge, awareness and understanding of the relation (similarities and distinctive differences) between the 'world of origin' and the 'world of the target community' create intercultural awareness. It is, of course, important to note that intercultural awareness includes awareness of the regional and social diversity in both worlds. Intercultural awareness is also enriched by the awareness of a wider range of cultures than those combined in the learner's L1 and L2. This wider awareness helps to place both languages in context. In addition to objective knowledge, intercultural awareness covers an awareness of how each community appears from the perspective of the other, often in the form of national stereotypes. (CEF, p. 110)

• Objectives ...

You will learn how to use Internet resources in order to: develop intercultural competence; approach various aspects of intercultural awareness; understand everyday life. You can use particular strategies to search on a search engine in order to find non-didactic sites which can be used in language teaching and learning.

• Activities ...

You have the choice between several activities: television >> stereotypes >> online newspapers >>

• Comments ...

We consider that intercultural competence is necessary to learn and use languages effectively: competence in foreign languages is related to the knowledge and understanding of the cultural, family and social universe of the interlocutor. In developing competence, we see learners being made aware a the same time an awareness of cultural differences, just as they are reflected in the language. Moreover, cultural knowledge facilitates learning. Intercultural competence allows learners of a foreign language to: develop a sense of their own identity; understand the culture of the target language; develop concepts on the characteristics of the culture of the target language; understand that there are many different types of attitude and behaviour patterns in the world.

• Your turn ...

After reading and implementing the activities and remarks of the DidacTIClang team, create an activity allowing your learners to develop their intercultural competence with the assistance of Internet resources.