Developing students’ sociocultural competence in foreign language classes

The study examines some topical issues associated with the quality of vocational training of future language educators. It highlights the role of new technologies in teaching foreign languages as an effective means of facilitating efficient communication of specialists of various spheres in a multicultural environment. The authors analyse the factors that contribute to the relevance and necessity of cross-cultural ideas in the field of language education. Particular attention is paid to the description of specific features of teaching foreign languages built on an intercultural basis. The article demonstrates the need for and the objective nature of transformation of the linguistic and educational paradigm - from communicative to intercultural. Considering the importance of professional and speech culture, special attention is also paid to professional-focused technology in intercultural communication teaching.