Intercultural communication. Facing new challenges in a changing society (EN)

Abstract

When we speak of intercultural communication we usually refer to cultural awareness, sensitivity and understanding of cultural differences. This constitutes not only a critical issue in the educational field but also in society as a whole. In fact, as societal challenges change, their impact on intercultural communication is immediately felt. An important sub-objective of the Lisbon Strategy states that there is a need to improve foreign language teaching at all levels of education throughout Europe. This is seen to be a key means of giving expression to the multilingual nature of the European Union. It is a known fact that expanding one’s linguistic horizons go beyond the benefits of just learning to communicate in a new language and even beyond some intriguing, lifelong cognitive rewards. [Excerpt]