Source: Canva
The rapid growth of online intercultural communication has closely paralleled the increasing use of English as a lingua franca (ELF). In a recently published journal article, the ReDICo member Milene Mendes de Oliveira, drawing upon Jürgen Bolten’s theory of interculturality, makes an argument regarding the interconnectedness of ELF Studies and Intercultural Studies, particularly focusing on the concept of ‘interculturality.’ The article titled ” English as a Lingua Franca and Interculturality: Navigating Structure- and Process-Oriented Perspectives in Intercultural Interactions” delves into the intricate dynamics of language, culture, and communication in the digital age.
To substantiate her arguments, the author undertakes an empirical analysis of an interactional sequence in ELF. The chosen context for this study is an online intercultural game, where participants engage in diverse communication styles and attempt to create common ground. The article’s findings shed light on participants’ understandings of culture and cultural membership. Milene Mendes de Oliveira concludes her text with the argument that ELF Studies can benefit from considering processes of group formation in intercultural situations.
For those interested in this topic, the open-access article can be accessed here.