Developing intercultural communication competencies among students in Uzbekistan

Abstract

This article will examine strategies for developing intercultural communication competencies and understanding among students, especially in the context of Uzbekistan. The work presents techniques to support language competency, cultural sensitivity, and mutual understanding in multicultural settings, drawing on well-established theories and useful methodologies. The narrative offers a thorough understanding of the educational environment surrounding the development of intercultural communication.

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Soatmurodova , D., & Satibaldiyeva, N. (2024). Developing intercultural communication competencies among students in Uzbekistan. Topical Issues of Language Training in the Globalized World, 1(1). Retrieved from https://www.inlibrary.uz/index.php/issues-language-training/article/view/33196
Dinora Soatmurodova , Uzbek State World Languages University
student
Nigora Satibaldiyeva, Uzbek State World Languages University
Teacher of the department of teaching English methodology №3
Crossref
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Scopus
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Abstract

This article will examine strategies for developing intercultural communication competencies and understanding among students, especially in the context of Uzbekistan. The work presents techniques to support language competency, cultural sensitivity, and mutual understanding in multicultural settings, drawing on well-established theories and useful methodologies. The narrative offers a thorough understanding of the educational environment surrounding the development of intercultural communication.


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the example of modern English have been made for a long time. A great contribution

to the study of language variation was made by domestic scientists, such as A.D.

Schweitzer. He introduced the concept of “national

-territorial version of the English

langua

ge” into scientific use, was the first to attempt to identify and describe the

differences between the British and American varieties of modern English at all levels

of the language system, and determined the nature of their interaction. Identifying and

describing the varieties of modern English in all the diversity and interaction of its

forms is a complex scientific task, the relevance of which has increased in connection

with the growing processes of globalization.

References

1. UNESCO Atlas of the World

s Languages. Retrieved from [UNESCO](https://en.unesco.org/atlas-

languages-world).
2. Crystal, D. (2001). Global Understanding for Global English//Global English for Global
Understanding. Summaries of the International Conference. Moscow.
3. Lieberknecht, V. (2004). On increasing the linguistic competence of youth within the framework
of the implementation of international educational programs in Samara // Current problems of modern
socio-economic development: education, science, production. Abstracts of the international scientific
and practical conference, Samara May 25-26, 2004.

4. Mukhamedova, N. A. “The role of modality contamination and negation in the interrogative
sentence”. Novainfo. Ru, (130), 59

-61.

5. Schweitzer, A. D. (Year). Title of the work. Journal/Conference Proceedings, Volume(Issue), Page
numbers.
6. Saidova Mamura Suleymanovna.

The concept of function and context within the framework of

the communicative approach”. (2023).

Western European Journal of Historical Events and Social

Science

,

1

(3), 46-48.

DEVELOPING INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION COMPETENCIES

AMONG STUDENTS IN UZBEKISTAN

Soatmurodova Dinora

Student

UzSWLU

Scientific advisor: Satibaldiyeva N.A

Abstract

This article will examine strategies for developing intercultural communication competencies

and understanding among students, especially in the context of Uzbekistan. The work presents
techniques to support language competency, cultural sensitivity, and mutual understanding in


background image

Topical issues of language training

in the globalized world

305

multicultural settings, drawing on well-established theories and useful methodologies. The narrative
offers a thorough understanding of the educational environment surrounding the development of
intercultural communication.

Key words:

intercultural communication, Uzbekistan, students, language competency,

cultural sensitivity, multicultural settings, educational environment, strategies, understanding,
competencies, theories, methodologies.

The importance of the English language in the modern world can be assessed

in one line: English is the international language of communication. More than one and

a half billion people on Earth speak English, and it is difficult to even calculate how

many people study it (Talbot, 2023). In other words, it is the global language of the

entire world community.

With the development of information technology and the modern

communications system, the English language is spreading on a global scale. Currently,

it is the main candidate for the role of lingua franca, the language of international

communication, which is used in almost all spheres of society (Crystal, 2003). The

unprecedented nature of this phenomenon can already be judged by the fact that

English is spoken everywhere in the world, and it is spoken of as a single language of

international communication, a language that, following D. Crystal (2003), began to

be called global.

Intercultural communication refers to the successful exchange of information

and ideas between people from different cultural backgrounds. It involves not just

speaking the same language, but also understanding the cultural norms, values, and

beliefs that shape how people communicate. Knowledge of the English language helps

people infiltrate and understand people in terms of both the language and the cultural

context of communication. This helps improve Intercultural communication

competence and mutual understanding, thereby reducing the likelihood of possible

misunderstandings, conflicts, and communication mistakes.

Communicative competence includes knowledge of the language, its rules, and

features, the ability to construct logical statements, interpret information, and


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adequately respond to communication situations. Also, important aspects of

communicative competence are the ability to listen and understand the interlocutor, the

ability to ask questions, participate in dialogue, and resolve conflicts.

Mutual understanding is the process of mutual awareness and understanding

between people that results from effective communication and interaction (Ting‐

Toomey & Kurogi, 1998). It is mutual respect and acceptance of other people

s points

of view, feelings, needs, and opinions, as well as the ability to empathize and perceive

the world through their eyes.

One basic strategy is to convey to students the importance of understanding and

valuing cultural differences. Students should recognize and celebrate cultural diversity.

As a multi-ethnic country incorporating Turkic, Persian, Soviet and, more recently,

Western influences, Uzbekistan is the ideal place to do this (Abdullayeva, 2022).

Students can immerse themselves in different cultures by visiting different cultural

events, museums, and surrounding themselves with different elements of other cultures

(CTE resources, 2024). They can also communicate with representatives of different

nationalities and cultures. This in turn will help English language learners build a

deeper knowledge of cultural understanding and improve intercultural communication

skills.

The next strategy is the development of cultural sensitivity, which is an

important nuance in intercultural communication in Uzbekistan. ESL students can be

provided with cultural sensitivity training, which includes learning about and

respecting the values, beliefs, and practices of different cultures. This can be achieved

through workshops, seminars and interactive events that promote empathy and

understanding. Also, ICC can be incorporated by fostering students to participate in

conversations about cultural heritage, and historical heritage (Abdujabbarov, 2020).

Providing the students with lessons on the history, traditions, and social norms of

Uzbek allows them to share their culture confidently with others while learning about

an entirely different culture.


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Creating language exchange programs is another way of developing ICC

(Byram, 2020). Particularly the peer-tutoring model, for nurturing communication

skills in ESL learners of Uzbekistan. Uzbek students converse with native speakers,

not just through sterile textbooks, but on virtual platforms or even face-to-face. This

dynamic interaction unlocks a treasure trove of authentic language use, peppered with

the subtle cultural nuances that textbooks often miss. It is a far cry from rote

memorization

it is about acquiring fluency alongside cultural awareness and

empathy.

One of the most demanded and useful strategies is providing technology-

mediated learning (

O‘

Dowd, 2020). A mobile app and an online platform (that can be

used to bridge distance) can unite students with worldwide language partners.

Typically, platforms are mixed with interactive activities, cultural resources, and

communication tools. As a result, these environments become dynamic and exciting

learning environments.

The next strategy is applying project-based learning (Stollmeyer, 2001) and

reflective learning (Chen & Starosta, 2006). Collaborative assignments on

multicultural topics promote students to explore, present and explain their own

viewpoints of other cultures. It helps formation of critical thinking, communications

skills, and cultural diversity awareness. Also, students can benefit from intercultural

reflection through journals, discussions, or presentations as it is a great way to process

their cultural encounters, identify challenges, and develop communication strategies.

Moreover, ESL students can be engaged in critical examination of their own cultural

beliefs and assumptions, as well as the biases and opinions of others. This can be done

through group discussions, topic-based discussions, and assignments in the form of

letters or writing that promote self-awareness and cultural understanding.

An important point in the development of ICC is addressing local needs. Yildiz

(2017) correctly points out how crucial it is to modify ESL courses to meet the unique

requirements of a given setting. For instance, rural students in Uzbekistan might not

have as much access to technology or online resources, and temporary employees could


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308

need more flexible class schedules or specialized terminology related to their line of

work.

Last but not least is providing teacher training (Deardorff, 2012). Equipping

ESL teachers with these skills is the most important step, as without this it will not be

possible to implement ICC in ESL classes. There should be created and supported

programs that prioritize ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers.

The development of ICC among ESL students in Uzbekistan requires a

multifaceted approach. This includes understanding and accepting cultural diversity,

and cultural sensitivity, promoting cultural and historical heritage, creating language

programs, and providing project-based learning as well as reflective, and training ESL

teachers. By developing ICC and mutual understanding, students can become not just

language proficient, but true global citizens. This, in turn, will help avoid conflicts in

the communication of people with different cultural backgrounds, which is relevant in

Uzbekistan and throughout the world.

References

1.

Abdujabbarov, U. (2020). Lifelong Learning and Cultural Exploration: A Framework for
Language Education in Uzbekistan. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development,
41(5), 420-435.

2.

Abdullayeva, E.A. (2022). LANGUAGE AND INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
IN UZBEKISTAN. Oriental renaissance: Innovative, educational, natural and social sciences,
2 (2), 554-557

https://www.oriens.uz/media/journalarticles/74_Abdullayeva_E.A._554-

557.pdf

3.

Byram, M. (2020). Teaching and assessing intercultural communicative competence.

https://doi.org/10.21832/byram0244

4.

Chen, Z., & Starosta, W. J. (2006). Reflective learning in web-based distance education.
Journal of Educational Technology & Development Exchange (JETDE), 3(1), 101-110.

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/BF03172913.pdf

5.

Crystal, D. (2003). English as a global language.

https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511486999

6.

CTE resources. (2024, March 18). Teaching strategies. Intercultural competence.

https://cteresources.bc.edu/documentation/intercultural-competence/#466998682-zp1uu6

7.

Deardorff, D. K., & Jones, E. (2012). Intercultural competence: an emerging focus in
international higher education. In SAGE Publications, Inc. eBooks (pp. 283

304).

https://doi.org/10.4135/9781452218397.n16

8.

O‘

Dowd, R. (2020). The role of technology in intercultural communication: A critical review.

Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE), 13(2), 171-188.


background image

Topical issues of language training

in the globalized world

309

9.

Stollmeyer, A. (2001). Project work: A way forward for teacher education. Journal of Teacher
Education, 52(2), 153-164.

https://dashboard.ir.ung.edu/downloads/b5c33e9f-32de-4916-

b4fb-dfc3327a20a1

10.

Satibaldieva, N. (2024). CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES FOR TERMINOLOGICAL
CLARITY

IN

COMPUTER

LINGUISTICS.

ОБРАЗОВАНИЕ

НАУКА

И

ИННОВАЦИОННЫЕ ИДЕИ В МИРЕ

,

38

(1), 166-168.

11.

Satibaldiyev, E. (2023). BILINGUAL PHONOLOGICAL SYSTEMS: UNRAVELING
CROSS-LINGUISTIC INFLUENCE.

American Journal of Pedagogical and Educational

Research

,

17

, 142-144.

12.

Talbot,

D.

(2023,

December

29).

How

many

people

speak

English.

https://wordsrated.com/how-many-people-speak-english/

13.

Ting‐Toomey, S., & Kurogi, A. (1998). Facework competence in intercultural conflict: an

updated face-negotiation theory. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 22(2), 187

225.

https://doi.org/10.1016/s0147-1767(98)00004-2

14.

Yildiz, B. (2017). Fostering cultural awareness in Uzbek EFL learners through literature.
Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 8(5), 904-913.

GLOBAL CURRENTS: THE EVOLUTION OF THE

ENGLISHLANGUAGE IN THE CONTEXT OF MODERN

GLOBALIZATION

Sultonov Feruz

Doctoral Candidate

Uzbekistan State University of World Languages

Abstract

This study examines the transformation and dissemination of the English language in the

era of globalization. It explores the impact of global processes on language dynamics, challenges in
its spread, and future prospects. The foundational thesis of the article is that globalization
significantly influences the English language, altering both its linguistic structure and the cultural
context of its use. The research analyzes the historical context, methodology, as well as the results
and discussions regarding the impact of these changes on international language practices. The
findings may be beneficial for specialists in linguistics and language studies as well as for those
interested in globalization and intercultural exchange.

Keywords:

Globalization, English language, dissemination, transformation, linguistic

structure, international language practices, cultural context.

In the age of globalization, where borders between countries and cultures

become increasingly permeable, the English language stands out as a leading tool for

international communication and cultural exchange. Its transformation and

dissemination over the past centuries highlight the significant impact it has on the

References

Abdujabbarov, U. (2020). Lifelong Learning and Cultural Exploration: A Framework for Language Education in Uzbekistan. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 41(5), 420-435.

Abdullayeva, E.A. (2022). LANGUAGE AND INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN UZBEKISTAN. Oriental renaissance: Innovative, educational, natural and social sciences, 2 (2), 554-557 https://www.oriens.uz/media/journalarticles/74_Abdullayeva_E.A._554-557.pdf

Byram, M. (2020). Teaching and assessing intercultural communicative competence. https://doi.org/10.21832/byram0244

Chen, Z., & Starosta, W. J. (2006). Reflective learning in web-based distance education. Journal of Educational Technology & Development Exchange (JETDE), 3(1), 101-110. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/BF03172913.pdf

Crystal, D. (2003). English as a global language. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511486999

CTE resources. (2024, March 18). Teaching strategies. Intercultural competence. https://cteresources.bc.edu/documentation/intercultural-competence/#466998682-zp1uu6

Deardorff, D. K., & Jones, E. (2012). Intercultural competence: an emerging focus in international higher education. In SAGE Publications, Inc. eBooks (pp. 283–304). https://doi.org/10.4135/9781452218397.n16

O‘Dowd, R. (2020). The role of technology in intercultural communication: A critical review. Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE), 13(2), 171-188.

Stollmeyer, A. (2001). Project work: A way forward for teacher education. Journal of Teacher Education, 52(2), 153-164. https://dashboard.ir.ung.edu/downloads/b5c33e9f-32de-4916-b4fb-dfc3327a20a1

Satibaldieva, N. (2024). CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES FOR TERMINOLOGICAL CLARITY IN COMPUTER LINGUISTICS. ОБРАЗОВАНИЕ НАУКА И ИННОВАЦИОННЫЕ ИДЕИ В МИРЕ, 38(1), 166-168.

Satibaldiyev, E. (2023). BILINGUAL PHONOLOGICAL SYSTEMS: UNRAVELING CROSS-LINGUISTIC INFLUENCE. American Journal of Pedagogical and Educational Research, 17, 142-144.

Talbot, D. (2023, December 29). How many people speak English. https://wordsrated.com/how-many-people-speak-english/

Ting‐Toomey, S., & Kurogi, A. (1998). Facework competence in intercultural conflict: an updated face-negotiation theory. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 22(2), 187–225. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0147-1767(98)00004-2

Yildiz, B. (2017). Fostering cultural awareness in Uzbek EFL learners through literature. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 8(5), 904-913.