Foreign Language as a Tool of Cross-Cultural Communication and a Means of World Culture Learning

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to study the process of involving students of higher educational institutions in world culture, which should be considered as a process of assimilation of universal human values, cultural achievements, traditions, and the foundations of different peoples. The research methodology is the method of theoretical analysis and synthesis, analysis of scientific and methodological literature; comparative analysis, and generalisation of theoretical scientists’ views and own pedagogical experience of specialists’ training. The scientific novelty consists in determining the meaning of a foreign language not only as an element of artistic and cultural activity but also as the main means of learning about world culture in all its diversity. Taking into account today’s situation and conditions of education, the theoretical and practical foundations of the involvement of students in world culture in the process of learning a foreign language are considered, and the approach to the selection of the content of knowledge about the achievements of material and spiritual culture is substantiated. Conclusions. It is noted that nowadays the issue of preservation and development of culture, and spiritual values, created by the peoples over the centuries, appears as one of the most important tasks, as a global issue. The progressive forces of the world cannot but think about the long-term psychological and moral consequences for the youth of violence, aggression, and propaganda. It is claimed that the best form of struggle against spirituality is to oppose it with true spirituality, true culture. Culture is the real basis for dialogue between people and social groups with significantly divergent positions. The use of a foreign language as a way of learning about the world and obtaining special knowledge, assimilation to the culture of different peoples, and dialogue between cultures — are of great importance for higher education. Taking into account the fact that language is a means of cross-cultural communication and knowledge of culture, it can be argued that learning a foreign language serves as a deeper insight into the foundations of world culture.

Keywords

• foreign language
• world culture
• cultural aspect
• intercultural communication
• higher educational establishments