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Digital technologies as effective tools for formation of intercultural communicative competence

Рагулина Екатерина Сергеевна – магистрант Казахского университета международных отношений и мировых языков им. Абылай хана (г. Алматы, Республика Казахстан)

Мейрамова Салтанат Акимовна – кандидат педагогических наук, доцент, Казахского агротехнического исследовательского университета им. Сакена Сейфуллина (г. Астана, Республика Казахстан)

Abstract: The article discusses the role of digital technologies as a means of formation of intercultural communicative competence. First of all, the definition of intercultural communication competence and its main components are presented. Next, the authors propose various types of digital technologies that can be effectively used in education for more successful development of students' communication skills, from classic, for example, online libraries and platforms to the most advanced, such as the Telegram channel or virtual reality technologies. These tools for the formation of intercultural communication competence have a number of advantages over traditional ones. Along with the advantages, the authors turn to possible problems and difficulties that may arise in reality.

Keywords: Intercultural Communicative Competence, digital technologies, online platforms, mobile applications, virtual reality, culture, communication.

In today's interconnected world, intercultural communication plays a crucial role in bridging gaps between diverse individuals and fostering mutual understanding. As globalization continues to advance, it becomes increasingly important to develop intercultural communicative competence (ICC) to effectively navigate multicultural environments. Digital technologies have emerged as powerful tools that facilitate communication and provide immersive learning experiences, making them invaluable for the formation of ICC. This article explores how digital technologies serve as effective tools for the development of intercultural communicative competence.

Understanding Intercultural Communicative Competence

Intercultural communicative competence refers to the ability to effectively and appropriately communicate with individuals from different cultural backgrounds.

Myron W. Lustig and Jolene Koester describes interpersonal communication as “a form of communication that involves a small number of individuals who are interacting exclusively with one another…” [3, p.19] It goes beyond language proficiency and encompasses knowledge, skills, attitudes, and awareness that enable individuals to navigate cultural differences and engage in meaningful interactions. ICC involves sensitivity to cultural nuances, adaptability, empathy, and the ability to overcome barriers to communication.

Role of Digital Technologies in Formation of ICC

In the modern world, digital technologies impact numerous spheres of human’s life including education. Digital technologies have revolutionized education, transforming the way students learn and educators teach. These technological advancements have had a profound influence on various aspects of education, offering new opportunities, improving access, and enhancing the learning experience.

The internet and digital resources have made vast amounts of information readily accessible to students and educators. Online libraries, databases, and search engines provide instant access to a wealth of educational materials, research papers, and academic resources. Students can conduct research, explore diverse perspectives, and deepen their understanding of topics beyond traditional textbooks.

Digital technologies have introduced interactive and multimedia elements to learning. Educational apps, simulations, and online platforms offer engaging and immersive experiences that cater to different learning styles. Students can access interactive lessons, videos, and games that make complex concepts easier to grasp and retain. Interactive learning fosters active participation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Digital technologies allow for personalized learning experiences tailored to individual student needs. Adaptive learning platforms use algorithms to analyze student performance and provide personalized recommendations and feedback. This individualized approach helps students learn at their own pace, address their unique learning challenges, and explore their interests.

Digital tools facilitate collaboration and communication among students, educators, and experts worldwide. Online platforms, discussion forums, and video conferencing enable students to work together on projects, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful discussions. These collaborative experiences promote teamwork, communication skills, and global awareness.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significance of digital technologies in enabling remote and online learning. Virtual classrooms, video conferencing tools, and learning management systems became essential for continuing education during lockdowns and social distancing measures. Online learning has expanded access to education for learners in remote areas, those with physical limitations, or those balancing work and study commitments.

Digital technologies generate vast amounts of data on student performance, engagement, and learning outcomes. Educators can leverage this data to inform instructional strategies, identify areas for improvement, and personalize interventions. Data-driven decision making helps educators tailor their teaching approaches and support student success.

Digital technologies provide instant access to the plenty of information about different cultures. Websites, online databases, and social media platforms offer a wealth of resources such as articles, videos, and cultural forums. Learners can explore various aspects of different cultures, including language, history, traditions, customs, and values. This exposure helps develop cultural awareness and knowledge, laying the foundation for effective intercultural communication.

Digital technologies have democratized education by providing opportunities for lifelong learning. Online courses, webinars, and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) mentioned by Dzhusubalieva, D.M. [1, p. 62] enable individuals to acquire new skills, pursue professional development, and access higher education regardless of their geographic location or prior qualifications. Lifelong learning has become more accessible and flexible, empowering individuals to adapt to the changing demands of the workforce.

Besides, digital platforms and language-learning apps offer interactive tools and resources for language acquisition. Learners can engage in virtual conversations, language exchange programs, and online communities with native speakers. Such experiences foster linguistic competence while also providing exposure to diverse cultural perspectives. Digital technologies also support speech recognition and pronunciation analysis, offering real-time feedback to learners, thereby enhancing their language skills and promoting effective intercultural communication.

Virtual exchange programs leverage digital technologies to connect learners from different countries. Through video conferences, online discussion forums, and collaborative projects, participants can engage in meaningful interactions, share their cultures, and explore common themes. These exchanges foster cross-cultural understanding, empathy, and the development of intercultural communication skills. Digital platforms remove geographical barriers, allowing individuals to interact with people from diverse backgrounds without leaving their own locations.

Virtual reality offers immersive experiences that simulate real-world environments. VR technology enables individuals to engage in virtual scenarios representing diverse cultural contexts. Learners can practice intercultural communication skills in simulated situations, such as negotiating business deals, resolving conflicts, or participating in cultural events. VR experiences enhance cultural empathy, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities, preparing individuals for intercultural encounters in the real world.

Digital platforms provide specialized training programs and courses designed to develop intercultural communication skills. These programs offer modules on cultural awareness, nonverbal communication, conflict resolution, and negotiation in cross-cultural settings. Learners can access multimedia resources, engage in interactive exercises, and receive personalized feedback to enhance their ICC. Online training programs accommodate diverse schedules and provide self-paced learning opportunities, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals.

Moreover, social channels, like Instagram or Telegram, may be used as a beneficial tool for development of ICC.

Challenges and Limitations

While digital technologies offer significant advantages in the formation of ICC, there are some challenges and limitations to consider.

Firstly, not everyone has equal access to digital technologies due to disparities in internet connectivity, technological infrastructure, and economic factors. This digital divide can limit the opportunities for individuals from marginalized communities to develop ICC using digital tools.

Secondly, digital platforms may present cultural information that is inaccurate or oversimplified. It is essential to critically evaluate online sources to ensure the information is reliable and culturally authentic.

Thirdly, Intercultural communication involves understanding cultural context, nonverbal cues, and subtle nuances. Digital technologies may not fully capture these elements, as they often rely on text-based or video-based interactions. Physical proximity and face-to-face communication provide additional layers of cultural understanding that may be challenging to replicate through digital means.

Finally, relying heavily on digital technologies may inadvertently undermine face-to-face interactions and interpersonal skills. Over-reliance on digital tools for intercultural communication can lead to a lack of genuine connection and the neglect of essential interpersonal skills required in real-world encounters.

Conclusion

In an increasingly globalized and interconnected world, the development of intercultural communicative competence is crucial. Digital technologies offer valuable tools for acquiring cultural knowledge, language skills, and intercultural communication abilities. These technologies provide immersive experiences, virtual exchanges, and specialized training programs that enhance cultural awareness, empathy, and adaptability. However, it is essential to be mindful of the challenges and limitations of digital tools and ensure a balanced approach that combines digital resources with real-world experiences. By harnessing the power of digital technologies, individuals can actively engage in intercultural communication, fostering understanding and collaboration across cultures.

Literature

  1. Dzhusubalieva, D.M. MOOC – The Evolution of Online Education // Vestnik KazNU, Seriya Pedagogicheskaya. 2017. No. (2) 51. P. 62-68.
  2. Malcolm N. MacDonald, Hans J. Ladegaard. Language And Intercultural Communication // Editorial. 2022.
  3. Myron W. Lustig, Jolene Koester, Rona Halualani. Intercultural Competence. Interpersonal Communication across Cultures // Pearson Education Inc. 2017
  4. Smakova, K & Paulsrud, B. Intercultural communicative competence in English language teaching in Kazakhstan // Issues in Educational Research. No. 30 (2). P. 691-708.
  5. Tleubay, S., Nurzhanova, G., Ybyshova, S., Abdigulova, S., Mankesh, A., Kerimbekov, T., & Ualikhanuly, A. The Formation of Intercultural Communicative Competence of Future Teachers in a Trilingual Educational Environment // International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET). 2020. No. 15 (17). P. 148-

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