Language Barriers in Cross-Cultural Communication and Proficiency in English as Means to Overcome Them

Abstract

The article examines language barriers as one of the main obstacles in cross-cultural communication. It analyzes linguistic, sociocultural, and pragmatic difficulties that arise during interaction between people from different cultural backgrounds. Special attention is paid to psychological factors such as lack of confidence and fear of making mistakes, which negatively influence communication effectiveness. The importance of intercultural competence and understanding cultural context for preventing misunderstandings is emphasized. The article also highlights the role of English as an international language that facilitates education, science, and professional cooperation. Furthermore, it underlines the significance of improving English language proficiency in Ukraine in the context of globalization and digitalization. The author stresses the need to develop modern communicative skills for successful international interaction among students, specialists, and young professionals today.