CROSS-CULTURAL AND PRAGMATIC COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT — THE KEY TO DEEP LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

This thesis scientifically substantiates that at advanced language proficiency levels (B2–C2), grammatical or lexical knowledge alone is insufficient. Learners must also acquire cross-cultural and pragmatic competences—such as understanding cultural norms, social etiquette, and context-appropriate speech—as emphasized by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which specifically highlights “the ability to use language effectively” in language teaching⁴. The paper analyzes concepts such as “conversational ethics,” “adjusting communication to the interlocutor’s status,” and “the use of irony and hedging expressions,” and proposes practical teaching methodologies. As a result, learners become capable of using the language effectively not only in the classroom but also in real-life situations.