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 English as a English as a
first language second foreign
language (ESL) 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!

? ? ?
English as first language- is
learnt after birth through
communication with
sorroundings.
English as a Native Language

• United States United Kingdom

• Canada Australia
• South Africa Ireland
• New Zealand Great Britain
 Let's Brainstorm!

? ? ?
English as a second language
( ESL) - is learnt much after
learning the mother tongue
 English as a second
Language (ESL)
Germany India
Sweden Nigeria
Netherlands Italy
Pakistan South Africa
 Let's Brainstorm!

? ? ?
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 Bosnia
Herzegovina Spain
Argentina China
etc.
 ? ? ?
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 Bosnia, Croation &
English Italian Spanish German
Person Serbian

2nd person you Tu tu du ti

singular
“T-V
distinction” you Lei usted(Ud) Sie V
singular i
vosotros (m.)
2nd person
you Voi vosotras (f.) ihr vi
Plural
“T-V
ustedes
distinction you Sie V
Loro Uds.)
Plural i
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!