The influence of phonetic competence on the success of cross-cultural communication

Abstract

Problem. The developed phonetic competence is a prerequisite for successful cross-cultural communication, as it ensures mutual understanding of interlocutors in communication. The limited number of hours for learning a foreign language in a technical university, on the one hand, and the emergence of an increasing number of digital educational tools, on the other hand, require the search for new means of teaching phonetics in the context of preparation for cross-cultural communication. Goal. To analyze the methods of developing phonetic skills of non-linguistic HEI students and to propose new approaches to the combined development of phonetic and sociocultural competences using modern digital technologies. Methodology. It is determined that mastering the phonetic system of the language means a high level of development of phonetic skills, which include auditory-pronunciation, intonation, receptive and reproductive skills. The stages of formation of phonetic competence are traced, and a number of principles underlying the teaching of pronunciation are highlighted. The existing approaches to the formation of phonetic competence are analyzed, it is indicated that most effectively the task of teaching pronunciation can be solved using the audio-lingual method, which involves repeated listening and pronunciation of speech fragments, and leads to the formation of certain language automatisms. When developing new methods of forming phonetic competence, mobile technologies can be actively used, which allow learning the language at any convenient time and in any convenient place. Results. For the combined formation of phonetic and cross-cultural competences using the audio-lingual method, the course "Cultural sketches" was developed, which included thirty culture-related topics covering the most diverse fields of culture: Each topic was presented as an audiovisual file with parallel translation, the texts were processed using translingual strategies, which imply the alternating use of native and foreign languages, giving students the opportunity to practice language fragments as many times as they needed to consolidate the material and bring it to automaticity. Originality. Phonetic competence was formed in combination with cross-cultural competence, which implies assimilation of a wide range of sociocultural knowledge from various fields of human activity, using the method of audiovisual translation, which was implemented thanks to the use of mobile technologies. Practical value. The experience of practical work with the use of mobile tools for teaching phonetics shows that this approach makes it possible to increase the level of phonetic competence in the use of the English language by future specialists, and also stimulates them to self-development and independent activity.