Lecturers’ intercultural competence in scientific research activities: A case study of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

In today’s multicultural context, intercultural competence is very important, contributing to improving the scientific research quality of lecturers. Lecturers’ intercultural competence in scientific research is the effective application of their knowledge, skills, and attitudes to conduct scientific research. The article employs the method of document research on lecturers’ intercultural competence at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH, VNUHCM). The purpose of the paper is to make clear the theoretical underpinnings and characteristics of lecturers’ intercultural competence in scientific research activities. The research results show that the lecturers at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities have the basic elements to form intercultural competence, including lecturers with experience in studying and living abroad and being proficient in foreign languages, in which English is the most proficient compared to other languages, lecturers coming from different regions of the country and a few with dual and multicultural nationality, and lecturers with a capacity to develop and create relationships with colleagues, friends, and learners from various cultures. Based on the analysis of the factors forming lecturers’ intercultural competence, the paper also suggests measures to enhance lecturers’ intercultural competence, including measures to raise awareness of the significance of lecturers’ intercultural competence as well as to improve their language proficiency, and the feasible measures from USSH, VNUHCM.