Intercultural Communication in the African Context: Contribution of the Didactics of Literature to the Development of Intercultural Competencies in Foreign Language Classes

Terrorist attacks, inter-ethnic and armed conflicts in the West African sub-region in general and especially in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, the rapid expansion of globalisation, the internationalisation and inter-university cooperation, the mobility of students and teachers, are so many factors challenging us to look for solutions leading to a sustainable peace and social cohesion in the West African sub-region. From this perspective, the present research aims at proposing avenues for reflection on intercultural communication at school, whose main objective is raising students’ awareness about stereotypes, negative prejudices, education for peace and non-violence, respect for cultural difference, religious tolerance, the development of socio-cultural, empathic and linguistic skills, dialogue between cultures and conflict management, etc. This objective of foreign languages teaching at school in Africa, can be achieved thanks to the contribution of the didactics of literature.