A critical discussion of Byram’s model of intercultural communicative competence in the light of bildung theories

Abstract

Inherently concerned with the personal and cultural development of individuals, intercultural competence can be regarded as an inseparable aspect of Bildung. However, while scholars have acknowledged the affiliation between these two concepts, what remains to be investigated is the extent to which notions of Bildung are incorporated in theoretical models of intercultural competence. This is an important aspect to study because such models constitute the foundation for how intercultural competence is understood as an educational goal. The present article examines Byram’s model of intercultural communicative competence, which has been particularly influential within the field of foreign language didactics. The article investigates how this model corresponds to Bildung theories in its description of the ideal encounter between Self (own culture) and Other (foreign cultures), and discusses the learning processes which may be involved. Relying on the theoretical perspectives of Gadamer, Bakhtin, Ricoeur and Klafki, the article argues that, while central aspects of Bildung are evident in Byram’s model, they are downplayed through its emphasis on harmony and agreement. The article further stresses the importance of regarding conflict, ambiguity and difference not solely as challenging aspects of the intercultural encounter, but as potentially fruitful conditions for profound dialogue between Self and Other.

Keywords:

• bildung theories
• intercultural competence
• foreign language education
• Byram’s model of intercultural communicative competence (ICC)
• learning processes

Notes

1. Byram (1997, 3) uses the label ‘intercultural communicative competence’ to indicate that his model expands the concept of communicative competence as well as making explicit that its intended applicability is first and foremost for FL teaching and assessment. In the following, the term ICC will be used in connection with Byram’s model, whereas the term IC (intercultural competence) will be used more broadly.

2. In his Truth and Method (1996), Gadamer originally describes hermeneutics as the process of interpreting a text, but later expands the concept to include other forms of interpretation; see Gadamer (1977).