Extension of Cross-Cultural and Sustainability Communication Competences in EFL Classes at University

Abstract

The article aims to analyze the interrelation and extension of cross- cultural and sustainability communication competences at universities. Foreign language learning offers exclusive opportunities not only to develop basic foreign language skills, but also develop cross-cultural and sustainability communication competences. The article overviews the importance of cross- cultural and sustainability communication on the theoretical level as well as introduces their manifestations on the empirical level via students’ answers. The research performed in Vytautas Magnus university, in which the respondents studying English (B1 – C1 level) expressed their opinions on the importance of the development of cross- cultural and sustainability communication competences. The results of the research demonstrate that students need more knowledge about cross - cultural and sustainability communication competences during their EFL classes at university. Moreover, it is challenging for pedagogues to embed cross – cultural and sustainability communication content, strategies and innovative methods of teaching/learning in foreign language classrooms. The research findings demonstrate the importance to search for innovative ways how to implement cross – cultural and sustainability communication discourse in EFL classes at universities.