Foreign Language Education and Diplomacy in the Digital Era
Foreign Language Education and Diplomacy in the Digital Era

Author(s): Zornitza Mladenova, Polya Katsamunska
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Foreign languages learning, Applied Linguistics, Language acquisition
Published by: Университет за национално и световно стопанство (УНСС)
Keywords: digital technologies; diplomacy; foreign language education
Summary/Abstract: Language is deeply embedded in culture, and culture, at both national and organizational levels, interacts with socio-economic factors in shaping digitalization within a country. Foreign language education must be intertwined with the culture of the language being taught, as this approach enhances language acquisition by providing context, promoting a deeper understanding, and fostering intercultural competence. Foreign language teaching has a long and successful tradition at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE). Since the university was founded in 1920, it has always played a significant role in the academic education of students in the fields of economics and business, international relations, and diplomacy. Today, in the digital era, the Department of Foreign Languages and Applied Linguistics at UNWE not only provides practical foreign language training in the academic community, but it also encourages and fosters intercultural communication. The main goal of the department is to deliver modern foreign language training, in line with the standards of the Council of Europe and it provides specialized foreign language training in the field of economics, international relations, diplomacy, business communications, etc. in English, German, French, Spanish and Russian, which are studied as first and second foreign languages, as well as Bulgarian language training for foreigners. The contributions and achievements of the long-standing head of the department, Prof. Daniela Koch-Kozhuharova, in improving the quality of foreign language education, as well as maintaining close ties with embassies in Sofia and with Bulgarian and foreign universities, deserve recognition and appreciation by the academic community. It is also important to mention the active role and personal engagement of Prof. Daniela Koch-Kozhuharova in organizing and conducting international conferences and seminars on significant topics such as “Innovative Educational Technologies in Foreign Language Teachingˮ (2017) and “Intercultural Communication – Cultural Specificity and Linguistic Universalsˮ (2019). Stimulated by the work of Prof. Daniela Koch-Kozhuharova, we tackle the theme of foreign language education and diplomacy in the digital era, which is reflected across her academic career and prolific scholarship. Digital diplomacy and language in the digital age are intertwined facets shaping contemporary international relations. The strategic integration of digital tools with linguistic proficiency is essential for diplomats to effectively navigate the complexities of global communication, bridge cultural divides, and build meaningful connections in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

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