This book comprehensively analyzes the development of interculturally blended third spaces by the second language learner, beginning with the linguistic and sociocultural imprints of the first language and culture on the mind and culminating in a phase-model of the development of intercultural competence. The focus of the book is on the gradual development of interculturally blended third spaces in the mind of the learner as genuinely new bases for construction.

This book explores the idea of intercultural competence, which, despite its current popularity across various discourses, has remained a vague and oscillating concept. Interculture lacks a universal definition and competence is not only a cognitive construct but also includes psychological traits such as attitudes, affective aspects and constructions of identity. The essays in this volume approach the complexity of the concept from a number of different angles. These include theoretical models for defining the concept of intercultural competence, outlining paths for future research;...

Learning a foreign language in its cultural context has a significant effect on the subjective mind, ranging from the unsettling to the inspirational. The complex interplay between native and foreign languages, their cultural conceptualisations and discourses and the mind and body of the learner results in the subjective construction of individual positionings located -in between- the languages and cultures involved. These processes are not restricted to the cognitive level of learning but also involve deep-seated habits, values and beliefs. These habits, values and beliefs are to a certain...