The importance of teachers' intercultural competence for teaching english in an EFL classroom

Abstract

This research synthesis was developed to analyze the influence of Intercultural Competence in EFL classrooms. In addition, it is centered on teachers as the participants of the research were their beliefs and practices were analyzed in 20 empirical studies. The studies were selected taking into account some criteria, only the studies focused on Intercultural Competence, articles whose participants belong to EFL classrooms, and the most important, studies that were published within the last 20 years. The analysis was developed through the use of an exploratory research in which the results showed that teachers have minimal knowledge of Intercultural Competence and how to implement it in their EFL classes. However, they have positive attitudes and beliefs towards the implementation of Intercultural Competence in EFL classrooms.