From content to competence: Exploring intercultural competence and global citizenship skills in English Language textbooks in Bangladesh

Abstract

[eng] This study investigates the development of Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) in English textbooks used in Bangladesh, focusing on the changes between the older and the newer version of English for Today. Through a qualitative analysis the study examines the acquisition of English as an international language and its correlation with ICC development. The findings reveal that while the newer version of the textbook includes some significant additions of cultural information, crucial elements have been omitted from the older version, hindering the acquisition of intercultural competence. Despite the presence of a diverse range of cultural content, the study highlights a gap in the effective utilization of these materials to cultivate intercultural skills and promote global citizenship. This paper underscores the importance of a learning-outcome-oriented approach to integrating cultural content in English language teaching materials to enhance intercultural communicative competence and foster global citizenship among learners.