Intercultural competence in teaching – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B and D are correct, whereas C is incorrect. A is true because recognising one’s own cultural assumptions is a first step in communicating effectively across cultures. B is true since adapting language, examples and interaction styles helps meet the needs of diverse learners. D is true as teachers who are open to learning from students’ cultural experiences can build richer, more responsive communication. C is false because intercultural competence explicitly rejects the idea that a single style works equally well in all cultural contexts.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it contains only A and B and leaves out D, which is also a correct statement about strengthening intercultural competence. Excluding D makes the description of competence less complete. Therefore A and B only cannot be accepted.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it groups B and D only and omits A, overlooking the importance of self-awareness regarding one’s own cultural background. Since A is also correct, B and D only does not fully capture the construct.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it brings together A, B and D, identifying self-awareness, adaptability and openness as key dimensions of intercultural competence. It also excludes C, which wrongly assumes universality of one style. Thus this option reflects the proper set of correct statements.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it treats all four statements as correct, including C. Because C contradicts the basic premise of intercultural sensitivity, its inclusion with the true statements makes the combination invalid.