African conceptions of communication competence in the South African context: a motivation for future research

Abstract

SUMMARY Intercultural scholars have paid scant attention to Africa. Recent events in South Africa have opened up the country internationally, but have also highlighted the lack of literature on competence in this cultural context. A review of literature reveals a need for emic studies on competence, and an account is given of attempts to formulate competence from an Asian perspective. Providing an outline of African worldview(s), the article suggests empirical research should explore conceptions of competence influenced by this worldview.