Intercultural Competence: The Foundation of Language Learning in the Global Era

HUMANIORA – (16/8/2024) Interculturality and local culture are key elements in creating effective and relevant language learning in today's globalized world. When teaching a language, it is not enough to simply teach linguistic skills. More than that, language learning must also involve an understanding of the cultural values that underpin it. This was explained by Dr. Galuh Nur Rohmah, M.Pd., M.Ed., during the Teacher Virtual Academy (TVA) program's third edition on Thursday, August 14, 2024.

With the topic "Interculturality Culture and Local Languages in the Language Classroom," the Vice Dean for Cooperation and Student Affairs at the Faculty of Humanities, UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, discussed the importance of integrating local culture and interculturality in language learning.

“Language learning based on interculturality allows students not only to learn the language technically but also to understand the cultural context of that language,” Dr. Galuh said during her session. She explained that English, as part of global culture, should be brought together with local culture in the classroom to foster intercultural learning. This poses a challenge for teachers to find innovative ways to incorporate intercultural values into English language teaching.

Furthermore, the alumna of Monash University, Australia, emphasized the crucial role of language teachers as agents of change, not only in teaching communication skills but also in building intercultural competence. This is important because, in intercultural communication, a deep understanding of cultural differences and similarities is necessary to prevent cultural superiority, which can hinder effective communication.

“By instilling intercultural competence in students, language teachers help students become more aware of the cultural context in which language is used, enabling them to interact more inclusively and appreciate cultural diversity,” she stressed.

She added, “This not only enriches the language learning experience but also prepares students to play an active role in a multicultural global society.”

Dr. Galuh also provided concrete examples, such as responding to compliments in communication situations. “This is part of 'complement,' which requires an appropriate response that can only be achieved through intercultural understanding. Therefore, English classes should be able to raise students' intercultural awareness.”

At the end of her presentation, Dr. Galuh reminded the audience that the main goal of English language learning is not limited to enhancing linguistic competence. She highlighted the importance of developing sociolinguistic competence, which helps students understand the social context of language use, as well as discourse competence, which enables them to organize ideas and information effectively in both written and spoken communication.

Additionally, English language learning also aims to enhance sociocultural competence, which enriches students' understanding of the cultural norms and values associated with the language, as well as pragmatic competence, which trains students to use the language appropriately in various communication situations.

According to Dr. Galuh, achieving these goals not only equips students with language skills but also with the ability to interact interculturally—an essential skill in an increasingly connected global world.

“With the achievement of these goals, English language learning not only equips students with language skills but also with the ability to interact interculturally, which is crucial in a globally connected world,” she concluded.

This TVA meeting successfully enriched participants' understanding of the importance of integrating culture into language learning. With a deeper understanding of interculturality, teachers are expected to be better prepared to shape students who possess balanced language and cultural competencies, which are essential in facing communication challenges in the era of globalization. [al]