Intercultural Communicative Competence Research Articles

Bridging the Intercultural Divide: Sensitivity and Competence in Moroccan EFL Classrooms

Globalisation has thrust English into the spotlight as a lingua franca and amplified ELT calls to prioritise intercultural communication. Still, there is a crucial gap when it comes to giving teachers the Intercultural Communication Sensitivity (ICS) they need to help their students develop Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC).This study examines the Intercultural Communication Sensitivity (ICS) of Moroccan English as Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. The research investigates the gap between language proficiency and Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC). The study surveyed 39 EFL teachers using the AISS. Key results reveal that they possess robust ICS, which enable them to engage respectfully and openly with people from different cultures. The study also explored potential factors influencing ICS, such as age, gender, and experience in English-speaking countries. More importantly, no significant correlation was found between Total Sensitivity and Socio-demographic Factors. The results send a clear message to stakeholders that the Moroccan context is conducive to developing Intercultural Competence Sensitivity.

Mobile-enhanced virtual exchanges through asynchronous video interaction: Learners as ethnographers in the L2 classroom to promote intercultural communicative competence

This practice report focuses on the integration of virtual exchange (VE) with mobileassisted language learning (MALL), where learners act as ethnographers within the context of language education. This VE model harnesses mobile technology capabilities to exchange personal and immersive cultural insights through asynchronous video content using Flip.com. The model consists of three integrated sections: Preparation, Intercultural Exchange, and Reflection. This report covers a pilot implementation of the mobile-enhanced VE model to evaluate the outcomes on Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC). The project lasted eight weeks, covering various topics, such as greetings, food, and education. Participants were L2 learners of Spanish in the United States and L1 Spanish speakers in Spain. Outcomes were evaluated through a survey where students in the United States self-assessed their perceived ICC gains. This survey, grounded in Byram’s (2009) ICC model, measured changes in students’ attitudes, knowledge, skills of interpreting and relating, skills of interaction, and critical cultural awareness. Students reported substantial improvements in all areas of ICC, highlighting enhanced engagement and understanding of the target culture facilitated by the mobileenhanced VE model. This report provides insights for the incorporation of mobile technology for VE projects in L2 settings, emphasizing its role in expanding global interconnectedness and deepening intercultural learning among learners by offering a more dynamic, authentic, and immersive learning experience.

Why not learn with children? A model of intercultural and intergenerational learning through Mandarin as a second language in higher education

ABSTRACT This study develops an intercultural and intergenerational model for teaching Mandarin as a second language, aimed at enhancing international students' intercultural communicative competence. Three native Mandarin-speaking kindergarten children in Taiwan, with no English knowledge, participated in a university Mandarin class with international students. They interacted exclusively in Mandarin, engaging in tasks like introductions, surveys, and storytelling. Students later provided community services, reading to Taiwanese kindergarteners in Mandarin. Through action research, including teacher logs, reflections, and interviews, the model was shown to improve students' attitudes, interpretation skills, and critical cultural awareness.

INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS CARING FOR PATIENTS FROM DIVERSE CULTURES

This research aims to examine the intercultural communication competence of healthcare professionals providing care and treatment to patients from different cultures. It evaluates the impact of intercultural communication on the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services. Method: The research was conducted with the participation of 280 healthcare professionals working at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University Hospital. Data were collected using the Intercultural Sensitivity, Intercultural Effectiveness, and Intercultural Awareness scales. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, and non-parametric tests were used for data that did not follow a normal distribution. Findings: Of the participants, 67.8% were female, 74.7% were under 25 years old, and 81.6% were single. In terms of education, 36.8% had an associate degree, and 44.8% had a bachelor's degree. The effects of demographic variables such as gender, marital status, and work department on intercultural competence were examined. Women scored higher than men in the Identity Protection sub-dimension, while married individuals scored lower than singles in the Cultural Communication Awareness sub-dimension. Paramedics had higher intercultural effectiveness scores compared to nurses. Discussion: The duration of experience significantly affected the Comfort in Communication sub-dimension. Higher education levels were associated with increased intercultural sensitivity and effectiveness scores. Those who received intercultural patient care training had higher scores, and those willing to work with patients from different cultures had higher intercultural sensitivity and effectiveness scores. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of intercultural training and development programs to improve the quality of healthcare services. Enhancing healthcare professionals' intercultural communication skills is crucial for increasing patient satisfaction and the effectiveness of healthcare services.

The Impact of AI on Enhancing Students’ Intercultural Communication Competence at the University Level: A Review Study

This systematic review explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in enhancing intercultural communication competence (ICC) at the university level. As AI increasingly integrates into educational settings, its potential to revolutionize student learning and cultural interactions is profound. The review synthesizes findings from 11 empirical studies conducted globally, assessing the impact of AI-driven tools, such as chatbots and virtual reality simulations, on students' ability to handle cultural differences. While AI offers significant benefits in personalizing learning and fostering immersive cultural experiences, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring cultural sensitivity and addressing inequalities in technology access. The review stresses the need for careful integration of AI in education, cautioning the audience about potential pitfalls and emphasizing the importance of human oversight to reduce biases and enhance cultural understanding. The pedagogical implications stress the importance of blending AI with traditional teaching methods to create inclusive learning environments that prepare students for globalized society's demands. The review also identifies areas for future research, including the long-term impact of AI on ICC and the ethical considerations surrounding AI use in education. In the end, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on AI's role in shaping the future of intercultural education.

THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO SOCIO-CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND ITS DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES IN EDUCATION

This article analyzes the theoretical approaches to the term “socio-cultural competence” and its role in the educational process. Various interpretations of this concept by different authors are examined, highlighting the significance of socio-cultural competence in language learning, intercultural communication, and personal development. The role of socio-cultural competence in foreign language teaching and its connection with communicative abilities is discussed. The article also addresses the importance of socio-cultural competence in shaping the ethical values of future managers and young people. It is emphasized that the harmony between national and universal values serves as a foundation for developing a culture of communication in educational institutions.

Intercultural communication and competence: practices at the education level

The present article focuses on the main theoretical aspects of the intercultural communication and intercultural competence in order to propose appropriate practices to be promoted at the education level. Based on the theoretical framework of Auerneheimer about intercultural communication and the challenges than can create barriers to intercultural communication we argue about the prerequisite of intercultural competence in order to propose certain practices in different levels of education

ENHANCING INTERCULTURAL AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE OF PRESCHOOL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHERS THROUGH COLLABORATIVE LEARNING

This research investigates a new collaborative learning strategy and its potential to significantly enhance preschool English teachers' professional intercultural and communicative competence in Kazakh higher education. This research aims to provide valuable insights into how CL can enhance preschool English language teachers' intercultural and professional communicative competence. Traditional teacher education programs often prioritize linguistic and pedagogical skills while neglecting the intercultural dimensions of teaching. This gap in teacher education presents significant challenges in adequately preparing educators to meet the needs of a multicultural student population. To address these challenges, this study explores the following research questions: the extent to which the Collaborative Learning for Intercultural and Professional Communication Framework enhances preschool English language teachers' intercultural and communicative competence and the perceived challenges and successes of implementing the Framework in multicultural classrooms. The findings are expected to benefit educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers working to improve teacher training programs in Kazakhstan and other similar educational contexts. The results indicate that this innovative strategy is highly effective in improving teachers' intercultural and communicative skills, offering promising prospects for their professional growth in a multicultural educational setting. These findings have significant implications for you as an educator, curriculum designer, or policymaker, inspiring you with the potential of this strategy to enhance teacher training programs in Kazakhstan and similar educational settings.

Korean English Textbooks and the Curricular Goal of Cultivating Intercultural Communicative Competence

Korean English Textbooks and the Curricular Goal of Cultivating Intercultural Communicative Competence

Intercultural communication skills and student mobility in Morocco

This study examines intercultural communication competence among international students in Morocco, taking as a sample the Ecole Nationale des Sciences Appliquées (ENSA) in Tétouan. The survey of 26 students assessed six key aspects: intercultural communication skills, culture shock, general satisfaction, cultural awareness, intercultural sensitivity and language proficiency. The results show that 58% of students have a high level of intercultural competence. Culture shock is evenly distributed between high, moderate and low levels. Overall satisfaction is high, with 80% of students satisfied with their experience. Cultural awareness and intercultural sensitivity are also high among the majority of participants. In linguistic terms, there was significant progress in Arabic, while the level of French was generally high. The study highlights the crucial importance of intercultural communication skills in the success of international student mobility in Morocco. It highlights areas requiring particular attention, such as support for students experiencing significant culture shock and the continuous improvement of language skills. Despite certain limitations, in particular the size of the sample and the focus on a single institution, this research provides insight into the role of intercultural communication in the success of international student mobility in Morocco.

DEVELOPING INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE IN TOURISM STUDENTS ALONGSIDE LANGUAGE LEARNING

This paper explores the development of intercultural competence in tourism students alongside language learning, emphasizing its critical role in preparing students for the global tourism industry. Drawing from Byram’s framework of intercultural communicative competence and Deardorff’s assessment models, the study highlights the integration of language and culture in educational settings. It also analyzes the contributions of intercultural education programs, showing how they enhance students’ cultural sensitivity and communication skills. The findings demonstrate the necessity of fostering intercultural awareness and competence to improve students’ professional adaptability in diverse cultural environments.

Intercultural Communication Competence and Loneliness Among Out-Of-Town Students from Central Kalimantan

Out-of-town students from Central Kalimantan in the Special Region of Yogyakarta and Central Java face challenges in adapting, becoming independent, and dealing with socio-economic difficulties, as well as experiencing a phenomenon of loneliness. This study explores the relationship between intercultural communication competence and their level of loneliness. The study uses a quantitative method with a correlational design and collects data through an online survey using a questionnaire that measures intercultural communication competence with the Intercultural Effectiveness Scale (IES) (α = 0.867) and level of loneliness with the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3) (α = 0.925). The survey involved 235 overseas students from Central Kalimantan aged 18 to 24 years studying at various universities in DIY and Central Java, using the snowball sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23 with tests for normality, linearity assumptions, and hypothesis testing with Pearson correlation. The analysis results show a significant negative relationship between intercultural communication competence and level of loneliness (r=−0.795; p=0.000), indicating that the higher the intercultural communication competence, the lower the level of loneliness felt by students. This study emphasizes the importance of developing intercultural communication competence in reducing the level of loneliness in ouf-of-town students.Mahasiswa rantau asal Kalimantan Tengah di Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY) dan Jawa Tengah menghadapi tantangan dalam penyesuaian diri, mandiri, dan kesulitan sosial-ekonomi, serta terjadi fenomena kesepian sehingga penelitian ini mengeksplorasi hubungan antara kompetensi komunikasi lintas budaya dengan tingkat kesepian mereka. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan desain korelasional dan mengumpulkan data melalui survei daring menggunakan kuesioner yang mengukur kompetensi komunikasi lintas budaya dengan skala Intercultural Effectiveness Scale (IES) (α = 0,867) dan tingkat kesepian dengan skala UCLA Loneliness (Version 3) (α = 0,925), melibatkan 235 mahasiswa rantau asal Kalimantan Tengah yang berusia 18 sampai 24 tahun dan menempuh pendidikan di berbagai universitas di DIY dan Jawa Tengah, dengan teknik snowball sampling, analisis data dilakukan menggunakan SPSS versi 23 dengan uji asumsi normalitas, dan linearitas, serta uji hipotesis korelasi Pearson. Hasil analisis menunjukkan adanya hubungan negatif yang signifikan antara kompetensi komunikasi lintas budaya dengan tingkat kesepian (r=−0,795; p=0,000), menunjukkan bahwa semakin tinggi kompetensi komunikasi lintas budaya, semakin rendah tingkat kesepian yang dirasakan oleh mahasiswa. Penelitian ini menegaskan pentingnya pengembangan kompetensi komunikasi lintas budaya dalam mengurangi tingkat kesepian pada mahasiswa rantau.

Exploring a Mobile Technology-Driven Model for Intercultural Communication Education

In the context of accelerating globalization, intercultural communication competence has become a crucial element for the success of individuals and organizations. The frequent international interactions have underscored the importance of enhancing methods for improving intercultural communication skills within the educational sector. The rapid advancement of mobile technology offers unprecedented opportunities for educational innovation. Its convenience and widespread use have made mobile device-based learning models highly attractive. Particularly, advancements in real-time speech processing technologies have provided new tools and methods for intercultural communication education. By leveraging mobile real-time speech detection and synthesis technologies, a more interactive and personalized learning experience can be achieved, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of language learning. This study aims to explore a mobile technology-based model for intercultural communication education and is divided into three main parts: firstly, the investigation of mobile real-time speech detection technologies aimed at intercultural communication education to provide instant feedback and improvement suggestions; secondly, the exploration of mobile real-time speech synthesis technologies to generate high-quality speech samples for learners to practice against; and thirdly, the integration of the aforementioned technologies to develop a flexible, efficient, and highly interactive learning system based on mobile technology. This study is expected to not only improve the effectiveness of intercultural communication education but also provide significant references for the innovative application of educational technologies.

Asynchronous virtual exchange and young English learners’ intercultural communicative competence

Abstract Virtual Exchange, by definition, connects groups of students in different countries for online intercultural communication (Lewis & O’Dowd, 2016). This exploratory study presents and analyses an asynchronous video exchange between sixth grade students in two countries with the goal of exploring which of Byram’s objectives for intercultural communicative competence (2021) can be addressed with young learners. The asynchronous video exchange project presented in this article was carried out between young English learners in Germany and English L1 speakers in the United States. Transcripts and observation notes from project meetings in Germany and transcripts of two videoconferences held with the two groups at the beginning and end of the exchange were analyzed qualitatively using Byram’s objectives for intercultural communicative competence (2021) as deductive codes in order to reveal which objectives were addressed during the exchange project. Eighteen of Byram’s 30 objectives were addressed to some degree in the current project. Those objectives will be discussed and considerations for future exchanges will be presented in view of these initial results.

Vietnamese Teachers’ Perspectives of CLIL in Primary Schools – Promoting Lifelong Learning and Questioning over Inclusive Education and Teachers’ Intercultural Competence: A Qualitative Study

This article explores teachers’ perspectives of CLIL in Vietnamese context by using a semi-structured interview with six teachers coming from two private primary schools in Hanoi, Vietnam. Findings of the paper point out both positive and negative points of CLIL in primary schools. Due to the fact that CLIL embraces culture as one of its 4Cs, it can help students to relate what they learn to the reality (i.e., meaningful learning). Hence, CLIL is a practical educational approach to facilitate students’ deeper learning, which is the foundation of lifelong learning. CLIL also helps teachers to manage the tempo of the class as well as lower the anxiety of students by preparing them with enough language for the content. However, there is concern over the content to support students’ pleasure of learning a foreign language. This poses a question of choosing and exploiting the content to make an inclusive CLIL classroom, which might need to be tailored to students’ interest and strengths. In addition, content and language teachers are required to have lifelong learning ability and intercultural communicative competence to collaborate with each other and apply CLIL effectively.

‘It’s a matter of personal attitudes rather than speakers’ nativeness’: Korean professionals’ perceptions of intercultural communicative competence (ICC) in English as a Business Lingua Franca (BELF) communication

ABSTRACT This study explores the perceptions of intercultural communicative competence (ICC) among Korean professionals in English as a business lingua franca (BELF) communication. The findings highlight the participants' emphasis on the importance of fluency, focusing primarily on the functional aspects of fluency rather than native-like proficiency. The analysis also indicates that the ability to accommodate others plays a crucial role in achieving effective ICC in BELF, facilitating the resolution of variability and misunderstandings. Consequently, communicative competence in BELF requires enhanced flexibility and adaptability, enabling professionals to develop the requisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes to comprehend and navigate cultural and linguistic diversity.

A multigroup SEM analysis of mediating role of enjoyment, anxiety, and boredom in the relationships between L2 motivational self-system, L2 proficiency, and intercultural communication competence

This study aims to test a mediation model to understand how the second language motivational self-system (L2MSS) affects second language (L2) proficiency and intercultural communication competence (ICC) through the mediating effects of foreign language enjoyment, anxiety, and boredom among English as a foreign language (EFL) learners in China. A total of 2,713 Chinese EFL learners, comprising 1,376 English majors and 1,337 non-English majors, voluntarily participated in the present study. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was conducted to analyse the collected data. Additionally, a multigroup SEM approach was applied to compare potential differences between the two major types in the hypothesized relationships. The results revealed that the impacts of the ideal self and learning experience positively and directly predicted L2 proficiency and ICC, whereas the ought-to self had a direct and negative influence. Foreign language enjoyment, anxiety, and boredom mediated the relationships between L2MSS, L2 proficiency, and ICC. Also, L2 proficiency positively affected ICC. Moreover, the multigroup SEM analysis revealed that these two groups did not differ significantly in the hypothesized pathways, suggesting that these relationships were not moderated by students’ majors. These research findings may present significant implications for EFL learners and teachers.

The Role of Uncertainty Tolerance in Enhancing Intercultural Communication Competence among High School Students in Morocco: A Quantitative Analysis

This study investigates the role of uncertainty tolerance in enhancing intercultural communication competence among high school students in Morocco, drawing on W. Gudykunst’s anxiety/uncertainty management theory. Although previous studies have confirmed the theory's core principles through correlational analysis, there remains a lack of empirical research on how uncertainty tolerance impacts the perceived effectiveness of intercultural communication, particularly within the context of Moroccan educational settings. The study employed a quantitative approach with a sample of 104 English as a foreign language (EFL) high school students learning. The sample included 60 female and 44 male students. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the overall level of uncertainty tolerance, while differences between these two categories of students were examined using an independent samples t-test .Additionally, to explore the relationship between uncertainty tolerance and intercultural communication competence, Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed .The results indicate that the students exhibit a moderate level of uncertainty tolerance. This was reflected in the mean score of 48.2. Whereas, the t-test revealed no significant difference between male and female students in terms of uncertainty tolerance (p-value = 0.20). However, the study found a positive correlation between uncertainty tolerance and intercultural communication competence (r = 0.35), suggesting that students with higher uncertainty tolerance tend to have better intercultural communication skills.

A Study on College English Teaching Reform of Ideological and Political Education in the Curriculum to Improve Undergraduates’ Intercultural Communicative Competence

Traditional college English classes pay more attention to students’ language knowledge and skills, but not enough attention to their intercultural communicative competence, which makes many students unable to effectively carry out intercultural communicative and exchange. From the perspective of ideological and political education in the curriculum, this paper discusses how to integrate this concept into college English teaching design organically, and how to adopt educational drama mode to make innovative attempts on existing college English classroom activities, so as to help students better understand Chinese and Western cultures, guide them to correctly view cultural differences, and cultivate their intercultural awareness and ability.

Breaking barriers: uniting Turkish and Greek students through eTwinning collaboration for empathy, understanding, and language anxiety relief

ABSTRACT This study explores the results of an eTwinning project involving four countries, with a focus on collaboration between students from historically distant backgrounds: Turkey and Greece. It primarily aims to foster empathy and understanding, alleviate language anxiety, and enhance foreign language competence among the participants. Using a mixed-method case study approach, data were collected primarily from 7th grade Turkish and 9th grade Greek students. The findings demonstrate notable outcomes, such as significant improvements in English language skills, effective use of ICT tools, enhanced intercultural communicative competence, and a discernible reduction in language anxiety.