Student intercultural competence in a Malaysian campus: a phenomenological approach

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study offers a Malaysian perspective on intercultural competence. Specifically, we examine how the students of various nationalities portray their intercultural competence acts in everyday situations. Drawing upon a phenomenological approach, we explore their experiences interacting with the locals and their discourse on intercultural competence. We collect data from in-depth interviews with selected individuals. The findings are presented in two themes that describe the essence of intercultural competence: cultural understanding and language ability. The analysis not only adds to current understanding of intercultural competence, it also contributes to the emergent literature on intercultural competence that takes into account lived intercultural experiences in Malaysia.