Intercultural Communicative Competence in Digital and AI-Mediated Communication: A Conceptual Review

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into communication practices has redefined intercultural encounters, challenging traditional models of intercultural communication competence (ICC). While established frameworks such as Byram’s (1997) and Deardorff’s (2006) emphasize attitudes, knowledge, and skills for effective intercultural interaction, the dynamics of AI-mediated communication demand renewed theoretical attention. This paper considers the reconsideration of ICC based on the critical analysis of the conceptual framework in the foundations and recent research, in respect of digital communication, virtual exchange, multimodal interaction, and AI-mediated communication. The review shows that there are three recurring themes in the research writing landscape today: digital literacy, mediated identity and interaction, and critical thinking about AI-mediated communication. The paper does not develop a new theory but instead provides a conceptual fusion of these developments and explores the implications for developing current conceptions of ICC in digitally mediated situations. The paper adds to the discourse by summarizing new theories and understandings as well as future research and language education in the context of increasingly AI-supported interculturalism.