A Wiki Platform for Language and Intercultural Communication

Literature Review

Intercultural communication competence is defined as the ability to act within a given context in a responsible and adequate way (Wang & Byram, 2011). Byram’s (1997) Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) model presents a conceptual framework consisting of four interrelated components—knowledge, skills, attitudes, and awareness. To become competent intercultural communicators, language learners need to have knowledge of other cultures and possess the skills for smooth communication. Language learners need to be open-minded to understand the world from intercultural perspectives and with non-judgmental attitudes, and they need to be aware of cultural similarities and differences so as to be able to deal with situations where different cultures meet. As far as business exchange between China and the west is concerned, the following aspects need to be taken into consideration, because China is a country different from the west in many aspects and both western and Chinese people have to make a conscious effort to adjust their communication and business styles to compensate for the linguistic and cultural barriers.