Comprehension of the cultural component of vocabulary as a precondition for successful communication with native speakers

Abstract

Introduction. The article explores the problem of understanding the cultural component of the meaning of lexical units as a prerequisite for successful communication with a native speaker. The purpose of the article is to identify the main features of learning linguo-cultural information which constitutes the cultural component of the word meaning, in order to communicate across cultures. Materials and Methods. The research methods included questionnaires, interviews, reviewing scholarly literature, analysis and systematization of empirical data. The study was carried out for three years. It involved 105 students (12 groups) studying German as a second foreign language at MGIMO University of Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Results. The article summarizes a number of studies into cultural specifics of vocabulary. The levels of explication of the vocabulary, which are designated as contextual, culturally neutral and culturally specific, are described. It was revealed that the process of word comprehension involves not only transmitting and understanding information, but using it in real communication. Thus, it can be considered as an information-practical process. In addition, the most effective means of semantization have been identified, allowing to comprehend the cultural component of the word. Conclusions. As a result of the research, the identified features of understanding the cultural component of vocabulary for successful communication with a native speaker are summarized.