THE ROLE OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE AND BUSINESS ETIQUETTE SKILLS IN DEVELOPING WELL-ROUNDED FOREIGN LANGUAGE SPEAKERS

The article studies the role of intercultural communication competence (ICC) and business etiquette within the context of foreign language education. The objective of the research is to conduct a thorough analysis of the developed theoretical models of ICC and to determine the application of the insights in foreign language education. The impetus for conducting the study was conceived in the author whilst teaching English to students at a non-linguistic university. The results of the present study stress the need to update the syllabus of foreign language education using culturally responsive material to develop well-rounded presentable individuals, and ambassadors of their respective technical disciplines to be proud of. The insights are of theoretical and practical value for both teachers of foreign language at non-linguistic higher education institutions and syllabus designers. The work emphasizes the need to enhance the efficacy by integrating culturally responsive material aimed at developing commensurate foreign language communication skills, and the ability to interact with people from different cultures, confidently. Confidence after all stems from comprehension. In this instance, comprehension of the customs of communication of another culture, i.e. what one would wish from another regarding one’s own culture. The present study dares to suggest some pragmatic approaches to teaching and practicing intercultural communication and business etiquette skills in artificially created environment within the context of foreign language education.