Sociolinguistic Competence and Intercultural Communicative Competence: Intertwining Concepts and Practical Implications

Аннотация

In today’s globalized world, effective communication extends beyond grammatical accuracy and linguistic
proficiency–it requires sensitivity to social norms and cultural diversity. Drawing on the theories of Dell Hymes, Canale
and Swain, Michael Byram, and Darla Deardorff, the paper examines how these competences intersect and complement
each other. Sociolinguistic competence focuses on the appropriate use of language in social contexts, while intercultural
communicative competence (ICC) involves communicating effectively and ethically across cultural boundaries. The analysis
demonstrates that these competences are interdependent: sociolinguistic skills give practical form to intercultural
awareness, while ICC provides the cultural understanding that underpins linguistic choices. The article discusses implications
for language education and professional communication, emphasizing the need to integrate both competences
into curricula and training programs. It concludes that fostering these intertwined abilities is vital for developing empathy,
adaptability, and cultural intelligence in global communication