This paper discusses the intersection of intercultural communication and foreign language instruction. Presents possible cultural factors that might contribute to Japanese not achieving higher levels of intercultural competence. These factors also have implications in Japanese students’performance in the foreign language classroom. Reviews possible methods of improving students’intercultural competence and potential areas for further study. Concludes that raising both instructors’and students’levels of selfawareness is a crucial starting point for achieving higher levels of intercultural communication competence.
Culture
Intercultural Communication
intercultural competence
Japanese
language instruction
multicultural person
self-awareness