Cultural globalization or cultural imperialism?

Abstract EN

Nowadays, the world is witnessing unceasing people’s movements, namely movements of businessmen, students, refugees, members of international organizations, tourists and others.

In addition, the world is getting more and more unified thanks to the tremendous development achieved in the field of communication.

Modern means of communication have facilitated the interaction of people, and hence of languages and cultures.

What was before isolated and relatively unknown has become now part of the world system.

As a result, schools are adjusting programmes and working forces are integrating many nationalities and races.

Cushner and Brislin (1996:1) write: ''It has become clear to many people that, like it or not and ready or not, the conditions of the world are such that we are all increasingly coming into contact with those who are different from ourselves''.

Does this 'cultural mix' imply enrichment and expansion or conflict and dissension? Through this article, we aim at demonstrating that cultural globalization is a two-edged sword.

However, this fact does not exclude dialogue with 'the other’ a dialogue that is to be promoted through foreign language and foreign culture teaching.