INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE AND CRITICAL THINKING: SYNERGY OF CONCEPTS IN THE HUMANITIES PARADIGM

In the contemporary globalized world, the development of intercultural competence and critical thinking has become an essential objective of humanities education. These two constructs are closely interconnected, as intercultural understanding requires the ability to analyze cultural differences, evaluate perspectives, and reflect on social values. This article examines the conceptual relationship between intercultural competence and critical thinking within the humanities paradigm. Drawing on recent theoretical and pedagogical studies, the paper explores how humanities disciplines foster analytical reasoning, empathy, and cultural awareness. The findings suggest that integrating critical thinking strategies into intercultural education enhances students’ ability to navigate multicultural environments and promotes deeper cultural understanding in academic and professional contexts.