ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
88
INTEGRATION OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN
TEACHING ENGLISH TO SCHOOLCHILDREN OF SENIOR AGE
Embergenova A.
Karakalpak state University
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14137680
Abstract
The article examines methods and techniques for developing intercultural
communication skills in schoolchildren of senior age in the process of learning
English. An analysis of the theoretical foundations of intercultural competence is
conducted, and practical recommendations for teachers are provided. The
importance of integrating the cultural context into the educational process and
creating an intercultural environment in the classroom is emphasized.
Key words:
intercultural communication, intercultural competence,
English language teaching, schoolchildren of senior age, pedagogical strategies.
In the context of globalization and internationalization of the modern
world, the ability to interact with representatives of different cultures is
becoming increasingly important. The English language, being an international
means of communication, plays a key role in the process of developing
intercultural skills in students. This article is devoted to the study of methods
and techniques aimed at developing intercultural competence in schoolchildren
of senior age in the process of teaching English.
Intercultural competence is a set of knowledge, skills and abilities
necessary for effective communication and interaction with representatives of
other cultures. Its structure includes a cognitive component, including
knowledge about the cultures, norms and values of other peoples; an affective
component, including the attitude towards representatives of other cultures, the
level of tolerance and empathy; a behavioral component, which covers the skills
and abilities that allow adequate and effective interaction in an intercultural
environment (Waltz, Kuchenmeister, 2007). 913041006
English, being the main language of international communication,
contributes to the development of intercultural competence, since the teaching
of this language is often accompanied by the study of cultural aspects of English-
speaking countries. The inclusion of elements of intercultural communication in
the English language program allows pupils not only to improve their language
skills, but also to develop the ability for intercultural interaction (Ter-Minasova,
2000). The communicative approach to teaching English focuses on the use of
language in real communication situations. Within the framework of this
ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
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approach, role-playing games simulating intercultural communication situations
and group projects promoting the development of intercultural interaction skills
can be used. Authentic materials such as articles, videos, films and songs
reflecting the cultural characteristics of English-speaking countries play an
important role in the development of intercultural competence. These materials
help students immerse themselves in the cultural context and better understand
the features of cultural communication (Krasny, 2010).
Interactive methods such as discussions, debates, interactive lectures and
seminars promote active participation of students in the educational process
and development of their critical thinking. These methods stimulate students to
discuss cultural issues and exchange opinions actively. Examples of learning
tasks include analyzing cultural differences, studying cultural traditions and
customs, and conducting intercultural projects. Analyzing cultural differences
involves comparing traditions, customs and norms of behavior of different
cultures, which promotes the development of critical analysis skills and the
ability to identify cultural differences and similarities. Studying cultural
traditions and customs involves preparing and presenting reports on the
cultural characteristics of English-speaking countries, which deepens students'
knowledge of cultures and develops public speaking skills. Conducting
intercultural projects is aimed at creating projects related to the study and
presentation of cultural characteristics of different countries, which promotes
the development of intercultural interaction skills, the ability to work in a team
and critical thinking (Bakhtin, 1975).
Particular attention is paid to developing pupils' tolerant attitudes towards
representatives of other cultures, which is an important aspect of intercultural
competence. Tolerance implies respect and acceptance of cultural differences,
readiness to interact and cooperate with representatives of other cultures. It is
important that students not only understand the importance of tolerance, but
also demonstrate it in practice in the process of communication and interaction
(Ter-Minasova, 2000).
In the process of teaching English to pupils of senior school age, it is
important to create conditions for the development of intercultural competence.
Teachers should use a variety of methods and approaches so that students can
not only master the language, but also learn to understand and respect cultural
differences. This includes the use of authentic materials, organizing discussions
and debates, as well as the use of role-playing games and modeling situations of
intercultural communication.
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Authentic materials play a key role in developing intercultural competence.
They allow pupils to immerse themselves in the cultural context, become
familiar with the cultural traditions and customs of English-speaking countries,
and develop critical thinking and analytical skills. The use of films, articles,
videos, and songs in English helps students better understand the peculiarities
of cultural communication and develop intercultural communication skills
(Waltz, Kuchenmeister, 2007).
Thus, the development of intercultural communication skills in pupils of senior
school age in the process of learning English is an important task of modern
education. The use of a communicative approach, authentic materials and
interactive teaching methods contributes to the formation of intercultural
competence and the preparation of pupils for effective interaction in the
international environment. The effectiveness of these methods is confirmed by
the success of completing educational tasks and the level of pupil’s participation
in the educational process.
References:
1.
Waltz M., Kuchenmeister F. Intercultural competence in teaching foreign
languages. Moscow: Eksmo, 2007.
2.
Ter-Minasova S.G. Language and intercultural communication. Moscow:
Slovo, 2000.
3.
Krasny V.Yu. Methods of teaching intercultural communication. Moscow:
Academy, 2010.
4.
Bakhtin M.M. Issues of literature and aesthetics. Moscow: Fiction, 1975.
