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Review Article

Intercultural Communication in English: Language, Culture, and Miscommunication

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Abstract

This narrative review brings together the latest studies regarding how language, culture, and difficulties in understanding each other interact in intercultural communication that uses English as the global medium. Drawing on models such as Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC), cultural dimension theories, and negotiation frameworks, the review identifies three major insights: (1) intercultural communication is shaped by fluid cultural identities rather than fixed national norms; (2) English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) promotes mutual intelligibility and identity negotiation, challenging native-speaker–centric paradigms; and (3) miscommunication often arises from cultural assumptions, unequal power dynamics, and limited intercultural awareness but can be mitigated through adaptive strategies and targeted pedagogies. Across educational, professional, and industry settings including aviation, hospitality, and multicultural workplaces, the findings emphasize the need for flexible, context-responsive intercultural competence. Ultimately, the review argues that effective intercultural communication in English requires embracing cultural fluidity and fostering reflexive, inclusive practices that support meaningful understanding across global contexts.

Keywords:

Cross-Cultural Competence English as A Lingua Franca (ELF) Intercultural Communication in English Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) Intercultural Miscommunication Language–Culture Dynamics

Article information

Journal

Journal of Exceptional Multidisciplinary Research

Volume (Issue)

2(2), (2025)

Pages

92-100

Published

06-12-2025

How to Cite

Binay, M. (2025). Intercultural Communication in English: Language, Culture, and Miscommunication. Journal of Exceptional Multidisciplinary Research, 2(2), 92-100. https://doi.org/10.69739/jemr.v2i2.1206

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