English as a tool for cross-cultural communication

Abstract

The ability to speak one language is considered insufficient for successful career development. It is believed that speaking more than one language can deliver economic growth of the country. Integration and globalization in education set new educational standards for future professionals. The study is relevant due to the significance of the English language in various spheres of activity. The development of the intercultural communicative competence is the main objective of educational institutions all over the world and international organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). English as an international language is considered by the author as a tool for cross-cultural communication. The main aim of the research work is to identify the concept of cross-cultural communication as a part of intercultural communication competence. The authors reveal potential challenges in language learning and give different approaches to successful language acquisition. The case study of the USA as one of the multi-ethnic countries in the world deserves examining. The system of education in the USA takes leading positions in the matter of modernization and reformation. Fundamental principals in English as a foreign language/ English as a second language learning reflect the well-organized system ensuring the development of tolerance, respect for the representatives of different ethnic groups, their cultures, beliefs and values, thus, providing efficient intercultural communication.