Abstract:

In the situation of worldwide globalisation special attention is paid to the questions of intercultural communication in the paradigm of modern education. A new understanding and explanation appears for the term intercultural competence, which assumes not only to obtain a language- and cultural-specific knowledge, but also forms the motivated readiness for an intercultural dialogue and guarantees a successful exchange with native speakers of other languages and cultures.

The main aim of this research is to compare the most important methods for the development of intercultural competence with students at Russian and European universities: based on the study of the experience by researchers and teachers of foreign languages and intercultural competence in universities to reveal the main tendencies, to define differing approaches regarding the choice of exercises and textbooks for foreign languages and the types of control concerning the level of intercultural competence.

This project used theoretical research methods (the study of psychological-pedagogical and methodological literature in Russia and foreign countries dealing with the topic of this research; a critical analysis of modern textbooks and literature about methodology, which deal with the teaching of intercultural communication and German language) and empirical research methods (survey; test; interactive exercises, comparison, generalisation).

Results. During the research project:
- differing approaches to the interpretation of the term «intercultural competence» were found, as well as to related terms in the Russian and foreign literature.
- it became necessary to introduce measures for the purposeful didactic influence on the professional intercultural competence with students at universities.
- different criteria for the choice of exercises were described and the organisation of didactical material.
- procedures concerning the language and didactics for the development and control of intercultural competence were systematised.

As a result of the research project practical recommendations were formulated for the development of an intercultural competence of students during language courses aiming at professional language use.

Keywords:

Components of intercultural competence, interactive education, criteria for the choice of exercises, types of control.