AUTHENTIC MATERIALS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE FORMATION OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE COMPETENCE OF FUTURE MASTERS IN ECONOMICS

Abstract

The article examines the integration of authentic economic materials and digital technologies into the process of developing foreign language competence among future Master’s students in Economics. The study is driven by the growing demand for economic professionals who can effectively communicate in foreign languages within global business environments and engage in intercultural collaboration. The concept of authentic materials in economics education is clarified to include financial reports, marketing cases, business correspondence, video presentations, podcasts, and analytical reviews. It is demonstrated that their combination with digital technologies, mobile applications, learning management systems, multimodal resources, and artificial intelligence tools creates an effective learning environment for practice-oriented instruction, the development of critical thinking, and the acquisition of terminology. A comparative analysis of Ukrainian and international approaches to foreign language training for economists reveals that European and North American universities actively integrate authentic business discourse into digital learning environments, while Ukrainian practices remain largely fragmented. The study systematizes four main directions of using digital tools in working with authentic materials: mobile-oriented, platform-oriented, multimodal, and AI-based innovative practices. The implementation of such approaches enhances student motivation, promotes independent learning, and strengthens intercultural communicative competence. It is concluded that the integration of authentic economic materials and digital technologies represents a strategic direction for modernizing foreign language training for Master’s students in Economics in Ukraine, aligning national practices with European higher education standards and the requirements of the modern labor market.