Suggested Practices for Developing Intercultural Communication Competences in Early English Language Lessons Based on a Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

In today’s globalised world, the development of Intercultural Communicative Competence is at the forefront of English Language Teaching, since it enhances students’ effective language learning as well as encourages them to gain a better and broader understanding not only of their own world, but also of the world around them. However, literature review on this topic is quite limited as regards early English language learning. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to provide insight on the teaching practices, techniques and learning activities employed by English language teachers in early English language learning so as to integrate the intercultural dimension in their lessons and develop their learners’ intercultural communicative competence. Data was collected from three databases Scopus, Eric, Elsevier and Google Scholar, based on predefined criteria. Findings indicate that various teaching methods, techniques and learning activities, popular in ELT, can be adapted to promote intercultural learning in early English language teaching. Moreover, online learning along with the use of different web tools and platforms, set a positive learning environment for successful intercultural interactions among culturally and linguistically diverse learners.