A Sociocultural Perspective into Intercultural Competence and Computer-Assisted Language Learning

Abstract

The theoretical underpinnings of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) enjoy a lot of shifts since when CALL has been introduced to second language acquisition (Chapelle, 2009). One of the least perused theories in this regard is sociocultural theory which purports that the practices human beings do can support language learning (Ortega, 2007). The sociocultural theory is the direct descendant of Vygotskian theory of learning in which learning is co-constructed through social interaction. This chapter provides an insight into the tenets of intercultural competence promoted through CALL. First, we explore culture and intercultural competence, then we review the studies done to investigate the effectiveness of CALL to promote intercultural competence, next, we review CALL materials through the tenets of sociocultural theory, then after, we examine how language practitioners can promote intercultural competence through CALL, finally, we propose a sociocultural based model on how to promote intercultural competence through CALL.