Culturally Responsive Teaching and Communicative Competence in Ukrainian and English for Professional Learners
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Published:
Dec 31, 2025
Keywords:
Communicative Competence, Students’ Interaction, Training of Future Specialists, International Experience, Teaching Methodologies, Intercultural Education, Professional Communication
Main Article Content
Abstract
The study aims to identify effective and innovative methods of developing communicative competence in students studying Ukrainian and English for professional purposes. The research methodology included experimental training of students at several universities, namely Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, National Academy of Statistics, Accounting and Audit, and Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University, using modern interactive methods. The research was conducted from March to April 2024, comparing various methodologies for developing communicative competence. The experimental group, comprising 300 students, was taught using a new methodology focused on cultural context, while the control group followed traditional methods. The experimental group engaged in tasks like cultural reflections, dialogues, and proverbs analysis to enhance cultural communication competence. The main study results demonstrated that the development of communicative competence covers not only linguistic knowledge but also the ability to interact with representatives of different cultures. The students who participated in the learning process have successfully developed the skills of understanding the cultural peculiarities of Ukrainian and English in their professional fields. The results of the study also showed that the introduction of an improved teaching methodology focused on the cultural context significantly improves students’ communication skills in the field of intercultural interaction. Participants in the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher results in all three areas of the study: creating dialogues, analysing cultural expressions and proverbs, and reflecting on cultural values. The use of interactive methods, such as role-playing, discussions and analysis of cultural cases, helped students to better master cultural communication. This contributed to the development of their ability to interact effectively in a globalised world. Based on the results obtained, the article reveals the importance of integrating the analysed methods to improve the Ukrainian system of ESP teaching, which can contribute to improving the quality of teaching and developing students’ communication skills.
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How to Cite
Didenko, N., Goriunova, M., Polinok, O., Kalashnyk, O., & Shevchenko, L. (2025). Culturally Responsive Teaching and Communicative Competence in Ukrainian and English for Professional Learners. Traduction Et Langues, 24(02), 192-215. Retrieved from https://revue.univ-oran2.dz/revuetranslang/index.php/translang/article/view/1060
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References
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Berezenko, V., Cherkhava, O., & Musiienko, Y. (2022). Communicative Language Teaching Approach in Promoting the Linguistics Competence of EFL Learners. Advanced Education, 9(20), 88-96. https://doi.org/10.20535/2410-8286.224016
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Drew, C. (2020). What is Finland’s Phenomenon-Based Learning Approach? https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/what-is-finlands-phenomenon-based-learning-approach
Eren, O. (2022). Towards Multilingual Turn in Language Classes: Plurilingual Awareness as an Indicator of Intercultural Communicative Competence. International Journal of Multilingualism, 21(2), 783-801. https://doi.org/10.1080/14790718.2022.2090568
Frost, R. (2024). A Task-Based Approach. https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/ article/a-task-based-approach
Furtoso, V. B., Egido, A. A., & Moraes, I. (2023). Social Justice in Language Assessment: Intercultural Communicative Competence in the Celpe-Bras Exam. In Handbook of Research on Fostering Social Justice Through Intercultural and Multilingual Communication (pp. 162-186). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-5083-3.ch009
Gong, Y. F., Lai, C., Gao, X., Li, G., Huang, Y., & Lin, L. (2022). Teacher Cognition in Teaching Intercultural Communicative Competence: A Qualitative Study on Preservice Chinese Language Teachers in Hong Kong SAR, China. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 939516. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.939516
Griffith, W. I., & Lim, H.-Y. (2024). Teaching Intercultural Communicative Competence in the Foreign Language Classroom. MEXTESOL Journal, 48(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.61871/mj.v48n1-13
Hoyte-West, A. (2024). Preface: Exploring the Digital Arena: Language, Communication, and Sociocultural Shifts. International Journal of Multilingualism and Languages for Specific Purposes, 6(02), 9-12. https://doi.org/10.52919/ijmlsp.v6i02.68
Ivanshchuk, A., Malyk, V., Trubenko, I., Varha, N., & Zhalinska, I. (2023). Analysis of Current Trends in Teaching English in Ukraine. Online Journal of Educational Policy and Management, 27(2), e023048. https://doi.org/10.22633/rpge.v27iesp.2.18749
Jordaan, M., & Nel, J. (2023). Material Evaluation of Communicative Competence in a Setswana Beginner Language Learning Course. Language Matters, 54(1), 121-148. https://doi.org/10.1080/10228195.2022.2147579
Kahanurak, S., Dibyamandala, J., & Mangkhang, C. (2023). Digital Storytelling and Intercultural Communicative Competence through English as a Foreign Language for Multilingual Learners. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 12(1), 14-26. https://doi.org/10.5430/jct.v12n1p14
Kaldarova, A., Kulgildinova, T., Berdenova, S., Zakirova, G., & Zhanabayeva, S. (2024). Subject-Related Communicative Language Competence: Exploring Future Information Technology Specialists’ Learning and Teaching. Journal of Education and E-Learning Research, 11(1), 26-35. https://doi.org/10.20448/jeelr.v11i1.5288
Khateeb, A. A. A., & Hassan, M. (2023). Initiating Intercultural Communicative Competence through Telecollaboration: A Case of Language-Exchange Classrooms of Arabic and English. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, 10(4), 175-192. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/1718
Khoroshkovska-Nosach, T. (2020). Formation of Communicative Competence of Elementary School Students in Ukrainian Language Lessons. In Problems of the modern textbook: collection of materials of the International Scientific and Practical Internet Conference (pp. 91-93). Pedagogic Thought. https://lib.iitta.gov.ua/id/eprint/721586/
Kuchyn, Iu., & Lymar, L. (2023). Distance Learning of Medical PhDs in Ukraine under COVID-19 and War with Russia: A New Realities. Neonatology, Surgery and Perinatal Medicine, 13(2(48)), 5-11. https://doi.org/10.24061/2413-4260.XIII.2.48.2023.1
Lai, C.-J. (2024). Examining the Impact of Multimodal Task Design on English Oral Communicative Competence in Fourth-Grade Content-Language Integrated Social Studies: A Quasi-Experimental Study. Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, 9, 64. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-024-00289-7
Landone, E. (2024). Digital Ethnography Through Videoshadowing: Everyday Life in Foreign Language and Intercultural Communicative Competence. Language and Intercultural Communication, 25(1), 127-141. https://doi.org/10.1080/14708477.2024.2389819
Leeming, P., Vitta, J. P., Hiver, P., Hicks, D., McLean, S., & Nicklin, C. (2024). Willingness to Communicate, Speaking Self-Efficacy, and Perceived Communicative Competence as Predictors of Second Language Spoken Task Production. Language Learning, 74(4), 917-949. https://doi.org/10.1111/lang.12640
Lehan, V., Hodovanets, N., Muraviova, I., Litvinova, M., & Baibakova, O. (2023). Formation of Lexical Competence in Foreign Philology (English) Students During Online Education. Multidisciplinary Science Journal, 5, 2023ss0506. https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2023ss0506
Li, D., Gao, Q., & Ma, M. (2023). Development of Intercultural Communicative Competence in Courses Aligned with the Content and Language Integrated Learning Methodology, Taught in French Through Teacher Scaffolding. Porta Linguarum Interuniversity Journal of Foreign Language Teaching, 8, 99-113. https://doi.org/10.30827/portalin.viVIII.29236
Liubashenko, O. V., Semian, N. V., & Druzhchenko, T. P. (2022). English Intercultural Tutorial for University Students Majoring in Japanese. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 11(1), 25-37. https://doi.org/10.5430/jct.v11n1p25
Mahan, A. M. M., Bean, A., & Sonntag, A. M. (2024). Language Sample Analysis to Assess Communicative Competence of Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 45(4), 221-232. https://doi.org/10.1177/15257401231187076
Melnychuk, O., Ardelian, O., Pinchuk, I., Kuzminska, Y., & Tovtyn, Y. (2024). The Effectiveness of Using Mobile Applications for Studying in Non-Language Specialties at Higher Education Institutions. Multidisciplinary Science Journal, 6(10), e2024210. https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2024210
Ouahmiche, G., & Bouguebs, R. (2025). Preface: Bridges and Borders: Reframing English Language Education in a Digital Age. International Journal of Multilingualism and Languages for Specific Purposes, 7(01), 9-14. https://doi.org/10.52919/ijmlsp.v7i01.94
Pahsko, A., & Pinchuk, I. (2023). Developing the English Language Communicative Competence of Future Teachers by Means of Mobile apps. In Z. Hu, Q. Zhang, M. He, & F. Yanovsky (Eds.), Proceedings of the 7th International Conference “Artificial Intelligence, Medical Engineering and Education” (pp. 746-755). Guangzhou: IOS Press. https://doi.org/10.3233/ATDE231389
Pishghadam, R., & Ebrahimi, S. (2022). Introducing Language Decoration: A Novel Approach Beyond Communicative Competence. Language Related Research, 13(1), 1-27. http://lrr.modares.ac.ir/article-14-46832-en.html
Plakhotniuk, N., Chernysh, O., & Makarevych, O. (2024). The Use of ICT for the Development of Foreign Language Communicative Competence in Hospitality Industry Students. Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Applied Innovations in IT, 12(1), 41-50. https://doi.org/10.25673/115640
Rizakhodzhaeva, G., & Zhusupova, A. (2022). Model of Formation of Communicative Competence of Future English Teachers. Scientific Collection “InterConf”, 132, 116-123. https://archive.interconf.center/index.php/conference-proceeding/article/view/1623
Symonenko, S. (2020). Complementing Content of English Courses for Enhancing Communication of IT-Professionals for Sustainable Development. E3S Web of Conferences, 166, 10008. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202016610008
Symonenko, S. V., Zaitseva, N. V., Osadcha, K. P., & Kuzminska, O. H. (2023). English Language Training for IT Professionals at Ukrainian Universities: Pedagogical Conditions and Content. In S. J. Papadakis (Ed.), Proceedings of the VIII International Workshop “Professional Retraining and Life-Long Learning using ICT: Person-oriented Approach” (pp. 94-112). CEUR Workshop Proceedings. https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-3535/paper06.pdf
Trinh, A.-H., & Dinh, H. (2024). Language and Home-Culture Integrated Online Learning Curriculum for Developing Intercultural Communicative Competence. Journal for Multicultural Education, 18(1/2), 38-52. https://doi.org/10.1108/JME-09-2023-0097
Yurieva, O., Musiichuk, T., & Baisan, D. 2021. Informal English Learning with Online Digital Tools: Non-Linguist Students. Advanced Education, 8(17), 90-102. https://doi.org/10.20535/2410-8286.223896
Zavaruieva, I., Bondarenko, L., Lutsenko, V., Nazarenko, O., & Fedko, O. (2022). Communicative Methods of Forming Professional Competences of Future Foreign Specialists During Distance Learning of Ukrainian Language in HEIs. Studies in Media and Communication, 10(3), 226-235. https://doi.org/10.11114/smc.v10i3.5855
Alzhanova, A., & Chaklikova, A. (2022). Multilingual Education: Development of Professional Foreign Language Communicative Competence of Students in a Digital Environment. International Journal of Web-Based Learning and Teaching Technologies, 17(1), 1-13. http://doi.org/10.4018/IJWLTT.294572
Berezenko, V., Cherkhava, O., & Musiienko, Y. (2022). Communicative Language Teaching Approach in Promoting the Linguistics Competence of EFL Learners. Advanced Education, 9(20), 88-96. https://doi.org/10.20535/2410-8286.224016
Content and Language Integrated Learning. (2024). https://liberalarts.humber.ca/ future-students/explore/celpp/international-professional-development/content-and-language-integrated-learning.html
Drew, C. (2020). What is Finland’s Phenomenon-Based Learning Approach? https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/what-is-finlands-phenomenon-based-learning-approach
Eren, O. (2022). Towards Multilingual Turn in Language Classes: Plurilingual Awareness as an Indicator of Intercultural Communicative Competence. International Journal of Multilingualism, 21(2), 783-801. https://doi.org/10.1080/14790718.2022.2090568
Frost, R. (2024). A Task-Based Approach. https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/ article/a-task-based-approach
Furtoso, V. B., Egido, A. A., & Moraes, I. (2023). Social Justice in Language Assessment: Intercultural Communicative Competence in the Celpe-Bras Exam. In Handbook of Research on Fostering Social Justice Through Intercultural and Multilingual Communication (pp. 162-186). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-5083-3.ch009
Gong, Y. F., Lai, C., Gao, X., Li, G., Huang, Y., & Lin, L. (2022). Teacher Cognition in Teaching Intercultural Communicative Competence: A Qualitative Study on Preservice Chinese Language Teachers in Hong Kong SAR, China. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 939516. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.939516
Griffith, W. I., & Lim, H.-Y. (2024). Teaching Intercultural Communicative Competence in the Foreign Language Classroom. MEXTESOL Journal, 48(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.61871/mj.v48n1-13
Hoyte-West, A. (2024). Preface: Exploring the Digital Arena: Language, Communication, and Sociocultural Shifts. International Journal of Multilingualism and Languages for Specific Purposes, 6(02), 9-12. https://doi.org/10.52919/ijmlsp.v6i02.68
Ivanshchuk, A., Malyk, V., Trubenko, I., Varha, N., & Zhalinska, I. (2023). Analysis of Current Trends in Teaching English in Ukraine. Online Journal of Educational Policy and Management, 27(2), e023048. https://doi.org/10.22633/rpge.v27iesp.2.18749
Jordaan, M., & Nel, J. (2023). Material Evaluation of Communicative Competence in a Setswana Beginner Language Learning Course. Language Matters, 54(1), 121-148. https://doi.org/10.1080/10228195.2022.2147579
Kahanurak, S., Dibyamandala, J., & Mangkhang, C. (2023). Digital Storytelling and Intercultural Communicative Competence through English as a Foreign Language for Multilingual Learners. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 12(1), 14-26. https://doi.org/10.5430/jct.v12n1p14
Kaldarova, A., Kulgildinova, T., Berdenova, S., Zakirova, G., & Zhanabayeva, S. (2024). Subject-Related Communicative Language Competence: Exploring Future Information Technology Specialists’ Learning and Teaching. Journal of Education and E-Learning Research, 11(1), 26-35. https://doi.org/10.20448/jeelr.v11i1.5288
Khateeb, A. A. A., & Hassan, M. (2023). Initiating Intercultural Communicative Competence through Telecollaboration: A Case of Language-Exchange Classrooms of Arabic and English. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, 10(4), 175-192. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/1718
Khoroshkovska-Nosach, T. (2020). Formation of Communicative Competence of Elementary School Students in Ukrainian Language Lessons. In Problems of the modern textbook: collection of materials of the International Scientific and Practical Internet Conference (pp. 91-93). Pedagogic Thought. https://lib.iitta.gov.ua/id/eprint/721586/
Kuchyn, Iu., & Lymar, L. (2023). Distance Learning of Medical PhDs in Ukraine under COVID-19 and War with Russia: A New Realities. Neonatology, Surgery and Perinatal Medicine, 13(2(48)), 5-11. https://doi.org/10.24061/2413-4260.XIII.2.48.2023.1
Lai, C.-J. (2024). Examining the Impact of Multimodal Task Design on English Oral Communicative Competence in Fourth-Grade Content-Language Integrated Social Studies: A Quasi-Experimental Study. Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, 9, 64. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-024-00289-7
Landone, E. (2024). Digital Ethnography Through Videoshadowing: Everyday Life in Foreign Language and Intercultural Communicative Competence. Language and Intercultural Communication, 25(1), 127-141. https://doi.org/10.1080/14708477.2024.2389819
Leeming, P., Vitta, J. P., Hiver, P., Hicks, D., McLean, S., & Nicklin, C. (2024). Willingness to Communicate, Speaking Self-Efficacy, and Perceived Communicative Competence as Predictors of Second Language Spoken Task Production. Language Learning, 74(4), 917-949. https://doi.org/10.1111/lang.12640
Lehan, V., Hodovanets, N., Muraviova, I., Litvinova, M., & Baibakova, O. (2023). Formation of Lexical Competence in Foreign Philology (English) Students During Online Education. Multidisciplinary Science Journal, 5, 2023ss0506. https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2023ss0506
Li, D., Gao, Q., & Ma, M. (2023). Development of Intercultural Communicative Competence in Courses Aligned with the Content and Language Integrated Learning Methodology, Taught in French Through Teacher Scaffolding. Porta Linguarum Interuniversity Journal of Foreign Language Teaching, 8, 99-113. https://doi.org/10.30827/portalin.viVIII.29236
Liubashenko, O. V., Semian, N. V., & Druzhchenko, T. P. (2022). English Intercultural Tutorial for University Students Majoring in Japanese. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 11(1), 25-37. https://doi.org/10.5430/jct.v11n1p25
Mahan, A. M. M., Bean, A., & Sonntag, A. M. (2024). Language Sample Analysis to Assess Communicative Competence of Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 45(4), 221-232. https://doi.org/10.1177/15257401231187076
Melnychuk, O., Ardelian, O., Pinchuk, I., Kuzminska, Y., & Tovtyn, Y. (2024). The Effectiveness of Using Mobile Applications for Studying in Non-Language Specialties at Higher Education Institutions. Multidisciplinary Science Journal, 6(10), e2024210. https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2024210
Ouahmiche, G., & Bouguebs, R. (2025). Preface: Bridges and Borders: Reframing English Language Education in a Digital Age. International Journal of Multilingualism and Languages for Specific Purposes, 7(01), 9-14. https://doi.org/10.52919/ijmlsp.v7i01.94
Pahsko, A., & Pinchuk, I. (2023). Developing the English Language Communicative Competence of Future Teachers by Means of Mobile apps. In Z. Hu, Q. Zhang, M. He, & F. Yanovsky (Eds.), Proceedings of the 7th International Conference “Artificial Intelligence, Medical Engineering and Education” (pp. 746-755). Guangzhou: IOS Press. https://doi.org/10.3233/ATDE231389
Pishghadam, R., & Ebrahimi, S. (2022). Introducing Language Decoration: A Novel Approach Beyond Communicative Competence. Language Related Research, 13(1), 1-27. http://lrr.modares.ac.ir/article-14-46832-en.html
Plakhotniuk, N., Chernysh, O., & Makarevych, O. (2024). The Use of ICT for the Development of Foreign Language Communicative Competence in Hospitality Industry Students. Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Applied Innovations in IT, 12(1), 41-50. https://doi.org/10.25673/115640
Rizakhodzhaeva, G., & Zhusupova, A. (2022). Model of Formation of Communicative Competence of Future English Teachers. Scientific Collection “InterConf”, 132, 116-123. https://archive.interconf.center/index.php/conference-proceeding/article/view/1623
Symonenko, S. (2020). Complementing Content of English Courses for Enhancing Communication of IT-Professionals for Sustainable Development. E3S Web of Conferences, 166, 10008. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202016610008
Symonenko, S. V., Zaitseva, N. V., Osadcha, K. P., & Kuzminska, O. H. (2023). English Language Training for IT Professionals at Ukrainian Universities: Pedagogical Conditions and Content. In S. J. Papadakis (Ed.), Proceedings of the VIII International Workshop “Professional Retraining and Life-Long Learning using ICT: Person-oriented Approach” (pp. 94-112). CEUR Workshop Proceedings. https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-3535/paper06.pdf
Trinh, A.-H., & Dinh, H. (2024). Language and Home-Culture Integrated Online Learning Curriculum for Developing Intercultural Communicative Competence. Journal for Multicultural Education, 18(1/2), 38-52. https://doi.org/10.1108/JME-09-2023-0097
Yurieva, O., Musiichuk, T., & Baisan, D. 2021. Informal English Learning with Online Digital Tools: Non-Linguist Students. Advanced Education, 8(17), 90-102. https://doi.org/10.20535/2410-8286.223896
Zavaruieva, I., Bondarenko, L., Lutsenko, V., Nazarenko, O., & Fedko, O. (2022). Communicative Methods of Forming Professional Competences of Future Foreign Specialists During Distance Learning of Ukrainian Language in HEIs. Studies in Media and Communication, 10(3), 226-235. https://doi.org/10.11114/smc.v10i3.5855