the key ingredients to successful cross-cultural communication and multicultural collaboration

 Although attaining lingustic proficiency is very important for L2 or EFL learners, this is not sufficient. To become proficient and effective communicators, learners need to attain second language sociocultural competence. Hymes emphasizes that the learning of culture is an integral part of language learning and education because it crucially influences the values of the community, everyday interaction, the norms of speaking and behaving, and the sociocultural expectations of an individual's roles. He further notes that those who do not follow the norms of appropriateness accepted in a community are often placed in a position that exacerbates social disparties and inequality. Thus, we have to  focus on learning culturally appropriate ways of communicating in speech or writing  as well as liguistic,  pragmatic competence.

  To be a good communicatior in cross-cultural settings, firstly we have to notice that sociocultural norms exist in all languages and try to be astute and consistent people watchers. This is, we must have awarence and the tools that will allow them to achieve our academic, pofessional, social, and personal goals and become successful in their daily functioning in  L2 or EFL environments. Secondly, we have to be more receptive to other cultures and be willing to engage in the communication with native speakers. Thirdly, we have to enjoy communicating with native speakers.