Cross-cultural communication in the global classroom: issues and implications

Teaching and learning now assumes a global classroom: one which connects with teachers and learners in a variety of locations; a classroom which is virtual as well as real; a classroom which makes cultural difference familiar. With this changing complexion of the classroom and the myriad of issues confronting both teachers and students, the importance of cross-cultural communication must not be overlooked. Cross-cultural communication has been around for a long time. The challenge is to place it in the current context of globalisation and international education as it is now framed and develop new and appropriate pedagogies and curriculum.