The local‐international trend of intercultural communication through world Englishes and translanguaging

Abstract This study investigates how world Englishes (WE) and translanguaging may be combined to enhance intercultural competence in intercultural communication. First, this paper reviews WE contributions to intercultural communication and explores the potential of translanguaging in facilitating intercultural competence in intercultural communication. Second, semi‐structured interviews were conducted to explore the perceptions and practices of WE, translanguaging, and intercultural competence in intercultural communication among Chinese university students with the aim to investigate how their experiences of WE and translanguaging enhance intercultural competence in intercultural communication within both local and global contexts. The findings revealed the possibility of integrating WE and translanguaging into the promotion of intercultural competence in intercultural communication. Such an integration of WE and translanguaging through the intercultural dimensions in English language learning can help enhance linguistic and cultural diversity, and equip individuals with the skills to effectively navigate the multilingual and multicultural world in response to diverse communicative needs.