The Role of English in Intercultural
Communication and Competence
Prepared by: Charmaine Rose G. Suarez, LPT
Introduction
In 21st century, English is the most speaking
language in the world, It plays a crucial role in
international relations and intercultural
communication all over the world. .
Forms of Language
01
02
03
English as the
first language
English as a
second
language (ESL)
English as a
foreign
Language (EFL)
What is Language?
A language is a communication system which includes sounds
and words by which a person can express his/her opinion or
any statement.
Let's Brainstorm!
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English as first language- is
learnt after birth through
communication with
sorroundings.
English as a Native Language
• United States
• Canada
• South Africa
• New Zealand
United Kingdom
Australia
Ireland
Great Britain
Let's Brainstorm!
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English as a second language (
ESL) - is learnt much after
learning the mother tongue
English as a second
Language (ESL)
Germany
Sweden
Netherlands
Pakistan
India
Nigeria
Italy
South Africa
Let's Brainstorm!
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English as a foreign language
(EFL)-is the study of English by
non-native speakers in
countries where English is not
the dominant language.
English as a Foreign
Language (EFL)
Turkey
Herzegovina
Argentina
Bosnia
Spain
China
etc.
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Teaching English for Intercultural
Communication
Nemira Macianskiene (2009) highlighted in her
book about the following topics and challenges
while communicating in English while people who
come from different cultures.
• Culture shock (how to fight
it)
• The myth of cultural
stereotypes
• Phrases to express
(dis)agreeing and avoiding
opinion expression
• Specific ethnic jokes
• Lexical borrowing
• Social etiquette
Students who leans English as a second/foreign language can communicate with the
people who also speak English but who are the members of different cultures in the
following ways:
• By communicating with English speakers(e.g. tourist) in their home country
• By visiting cultural centers of various foreign countries
• By communicating with teachers who came to the country of origin of these students
• By interacting with people through Social networks( Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram)
• By visiting foreign countries where English is spoken
The issue of telling “you” in
English in a polite manner
T-V Distinction-is the contextual use of different pronouns that
exists in some languages and serves to convey formality or
familiarity. The term was coined from the French word “tu and
“vous”.eng.”you” in the familiar/informal and formal manner
Grammatical
Person
2nd person
singular
“T-V
distinction”
singular
2nd person
Plural
“T-V
distinction
Plural
English
Italian
you
Tu
you
Le
i
you
you
Voi
Loro
Spanish
t
u
German
Bosnia, Croation &
Serbian
du
t
i
usted(Ud)
Sie
Vi
vosotros
(m.)
vosotras (f.)
ih
r
v
i
Sie
Vi
ustedes
Uds.)
To emphasize politeness in English, we should use the word
such as, “Mr”, “Professor”, “Madam”, “Sir” etc. some polite
phrases starting with “could”, “can”, along with the pronoun
“you”.
Examples:
Dear Madam, would you be so kind and tell
me the direction.
Professor Roberts, could you give me some
advice on how to understand English idioms?
Mr.Jackson, can you ask your daughter if she
wants to go out with me tonight?
Dear Sir, I kindly want to inform you that the
meeting will take place in London
Hence, It is very important to know
other cultures and their expressions
of politeness.
For Example: Italians like to be called
“ dottore” (doctor)
professore ( Professor)
maestro ( teacher )
Balkans wants to use formal words
such as :
“Postovani gospodine” ( “Respected
Sir)
“Draga Gospodo ( Eng. Dear Madam)
Thank you for
listening!