Towards Intercultural Discussion: Getting Off on the Right Foot(ing)

Abstract

With the proliferation of discussion facilitated by Internet forums, one might imagine that, notwithstanding the problems encountered by some learners, intercultural communication now has fertile ground within which to flourish. Closer inspection, however, reveals that cordial intercultural exchanges are far from widespread in this genre. This suggests that, despite the apparent ease of contact, there remain significant obstacles to such exchanges.