Cultural sensitivity in language: navigating misunderstandings in intercultural communication

Аннотация

Effective communication across cultures is essential in today’s increasingly globalized world. However, intercultural communication often presents challenges, especially when cultural norms, values, and linguistic practices differ significantly. This article explores the concept of cultural sensitivity in language, focusing on how misunderstandings emerge and how they can navigated through increased awareness, teaching strategies, and pragmatic sensitivity. Drawing on seminal works such as Jiang’s (2001) and Thomas’s (2005) articles, Cohen and Wang’s (2018) framework of intercultural communicative competence, and other key studies, this article examines the importance of cultural sensitivity in preventing communication breakdowns and fostering moreeffective intercultural interactions. Key Words: Cultural sensitivity, intercultural communication, pragmatic competence, culture bumps, non-verbal communication, pragmatics, cross-cultural awareness, educational strategies, language teaching, intercultural communicativecompetence.