Intercultural competence: foreign language teachers’ perspective

The development of intercultural competency is a lifelong process that enables individuals to integrate effectively in diverse cultural environments. This article aims to bring language teachers' attention to the field of culture teaching in foreign language classes at a time when the newly released Basic Standards of Competencies in Foreign Language have given this element of language education more emphasis. The first section of this paper introduces the concept of intercultural communicative competence. It then goes on to explore the challenges, new and current teaching methods, techniques, attitudes, and discourses surrounding raising intercultural competence within foreign language classes. Finally, it presents some suggestions how to begin moving in new directions.