Utilising technology for intercultural communication in virtual environments and the role of English

Abstract

The present paper provides a review related to online communication, cultural dimensions, and the role of English in intercultural communication that takes place in virtual environments facilitated by technological artefacts. The study aims at displaying a picture of the virtual environments and engagements that trigger intercultural communication. The study explores the differences in the pragmatic systems and linguistic tendencies of Eastern and Western cultures within the scope of the `high-context' and `low-context' framework proposed by Hall (1976), and the impact of online communication on these cultures. The study also discusses the pedagogical possibilities that the digital world offers in support of foreign language learning and teaching, in the light of innovative educational philosophies and approaches to foreign language education. The paper concludes that there is a basic need for societies to adopt a postmodern view in order to improve global tolerance and communication. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.