This book explores the idea of ‘intercultural competence’, which, despite its current popularity across various discourses, has remained a vague and oscillating concept. Interculture lacks a universal definition and ‘competence’ is not only a cognitive construct but also includes psychological traits such as attitudes, affective aspects and constructions of identity. The essays in this volume approach the complexity of the concept from a number of different angles. These include theoretical models for defining the concept of ‘intercultural competence’, outlining paths for future research; application of the concept in the teaching and learning of foreign languages, cultures and literatures; exploration of institutional and sociocultural influences on mediating intercultural competence; and analysis of the concept’s impact on such diverse contexts as international business, religious constructs and notions of selfhood and identity. The volume develops a broad range of perspectives on intercultural competence, providing stimulating new ideas, reflections and models around this important concept.
Arnd Witte
Challenges Competence Concepts Evaluations exploration of institutional and sociocultural influences on mediating intercultural competence Intercultural international business, religious constructs and notions of selfhood and identity teaching and learning of foreign languages, cultures and literatures Witte
«This book is of obvious interest to scholars of language study, but there are also articles that could raise points of reflection for professionals in international business. As a teacher and teacher educator, I found several articles to be particularly useful.» (Katie B. Angus, The Linguist List 09/2012)
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