Developing sociocultural competence in students during the process of teaching Ukrainian as a foreign language

Abstract

The article is devoted to the development of both linguistic and cultural competencies in the process of learning Ukrainian as a foreign language. Teaching a foreign language through the prism of cultural heritage and from an anthropocentric perspective fosters the development of modern psycholinguistics and is closely linked to understanding the world and reality. At the same time, it functions as a principle of language learning oriented toward the individual, facilitating better adaptation and communication while supporting both motivation and the development of humanistic values. It is recognized that language also functions as a tool of cultural diplomacy, promoting interpersonal and intercultural connections. Developing students’ sociocultural competence involves dialogue-based discussions of culture, traditions, historical context, contemporary trends in the arts, and the realities of everyday life. The sociocultural aspect of learning the Ukrainian language involves mastering the language not merely as a system of rules, but as a means of understanding the culture, traditions, and mentality of the Ukrainian people.