Intercultural Competence as a Veritable Tool for Promoting Intercultural Dialogue in Contemporary Nigeria.

Abstract:

In Nigeria, intercultural dialogue is inevitable for peaceful co-existence and mutual relationships among the citizens. The reason is that intercultural dialogue involves interaction between people from different cultural backgrounds and ethnic nationalities. To achieve constructive intercultural dialogue, it requires a sense of intercultural competence. Therefore, this study examines the role of intercultural competence in promoting intercultural dialogue, focusing on Nigeria's cultural diversity. The study explores the descriptive research method and draws data from the review of previous studies, while the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) was adopted as the theoretical framework for the study. The rationale behind the choice of this theory is rooted in the fact that intercultural dialogue requires intercultural competence and sensitivity. Through the theoretical framework, the study investigates different stages during intercultural dialogue and Engagement, challenges associated with intercultural dialogue, and the imperative of intercultural competence for intercultural dialogue. Acquiring intercultural competence will enable individuals to overcome some of the challenges associated with intercultural competence. The study discovers that intercultural competence is imperative for preventing communication problems, misunderstanding and conflict, fostering trust, collaboration, inclusion and social harmony, and professional relationships across cultural divides when people engage in intercultural dialogue.