Folklore: A Tool for the Enhancement of Intercultural Communication Competence

Abstract

Foreigners can learn to speak a language, but still find it difficult to understand the culture of the speakers of the language. It is very important for one to understand the culture of the language speakers if one intends to be involved with them on a permanent basis. Knowing the vocabulary of a language is not enough for one to understand the culture of the speakers of the language. Some words are loaded with culture, which can be a stumbling block towards understanding their deeper meaning, thereby leading to intercultural miscommunication. One way of acquainting oneself with a foreign culture could be by staying with the people for some time. However, the shortest way of becoming acquainted with a foreign culture is by accessing folklore of the community concerned. The purpose of this article is to reflect on the importance of folklore as a tool towards acquiring intercultural communication competence in a multicultural society.