DEVELOPING PRAGMATIC COMPETENCE FOR EFFECTIVE INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN PROFESSIONAL CONTEXTS

Abstract

Globalization has increased communication among professionals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Although English serves as the primary language of international communication, successful interaction depends not only on grammatical accuracy but also on pragmatic competence. Cultural differences in politeness, speech acts, indirectness, and communication styles frequently lead to misunderstandings that affect teamwork, negotiations, and workplace relationships. This article discusses the role of pragmatic competence in intercultural professional communication and presents practical strategies for improving communication effectiveness in international settings