Intercultural Communication Research Articles

Thai transgender people’s English articulation in intercultural communication

Abstract This research used online focus group discussions involving five Thai transgender participants and participants with various gender identities and sexuality to examine Thai transgender people’s articulations of gender, sexuality and senses of themselves. English was used as a lingua franca (ELF). A poststructuralist discourse analysis was used. The results illustrated that most Thai transgender participants were willing to articulate their genders and sexuality in a friendly and polite environment in intercultural communication. However, individual differences were found while initially articulating gender and sexuality over time in the same group discussion. In addition, the friendly and polite situational environment could trigger them to articulate more information regarding their gender and sexuality. Moreover, the five Thai transgender participants revealed their powerfulness as the self-identification of Thai transgender people in discourses, whereas their powerlessness was exposed in the theme of mental and social care.

Reflection Comics: Draw Attention to Intercultural Communication in Context

ABSTRACTMultilingual students learning English face changes in developing intercultural communicative competence outside the classroom. This Classroom Exploration, informed by frameworks of intercultural communicative competence, willingness to communicate, and cultural adaptation, explores the use of reflection comics in a service‐learning course for first‐year international university students. Students created comics depicting key moments during their volunteer work. Analysis of a comic reveals how the medium of a comic with images, speech bubbles, and thought bubbles focuses a student's attention on verbal and nonverbal communication with other participants within a specific social context.

Facilitating cross-cultural translation with ChatGPT in Moroccan travel agencies: a user satisfaction study

In a context of globalization, interactions between individuals of different cultures have become a lived reality. These cultural exchanges often involve mastering multiple languages, which can be quite challenging in multilingual settings. Hence, the integration of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) tools has emerged as an essential solution to bridge linguistic gaps and facilitate effective communication across cultural boundaries. Building upon this premise, this study delves into the perceptions of ChatGPT users regarding its role in translation and intercultural communication. Specifically, it examines the factors shaping user satisfaction with AI in translation and its contribution to fostering intercultural interactions. To achieve this objective, the study focuses on a sample of Moroccan travel agencies engaged in relationships with international partners. Data collection is carried out through questionnaires sent to heads of agencies randomly selected from a database provided by the Ministry of Tourism in 2022. The rationale behind this selection lies in the travel agencies’ unique position as intermediaries between cultures, frequently requiring translation services to conduct their business effectively. Statistical analysis is carried out using SPSS software. The main findings reveal a significant correlation between user satisfaction with ChatGPT and two key variables: perceived ease of use and the quality of its outputs. Notably, users find ChatGPT more satisfying when it is perceived as user-friendly and delivers satisfactory results. However, the selected variables fail to comprehensively explain users’ perceptions of ChatGPT, highlighting the need for further investigation in this area.

Exploring the Legacy of Ancient India Cultural, Scientific, and Socio-Political Contributions to World Civilization

This study explores the remarkable achievements of ancient India, focusing on its enduring impact on global thought and practices. From the philosophical insights enshrined in the Vedas and Upanishads to the revolutionary scientific advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, ancient India emerged as a beacon of intellectual brilliance. Concepts such as zero, the decimal system, and advanced astronomical calculations influenced civilizations across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, forming the foundation for modern science and technology. Culturally, ancient India introduced transformative ideas of spirituality, yoga, and meditation, which continue to inspire holistic health and mental well-being worldwide. The philosophical principles of dharma, karma, and non-violence, as seen in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, have resonated globally, shaping ethical and moral frameworks across cultures. The socio-political structures of ancient India, including democratic assemblies and the Varna system, offered models of governance and societal organization, albeit evolving over time.This exploration reveals how ancient India's legacy transcends time, fostering intercultural exchanges and providing timeless wisdom that addresses contemporary challenges, from sustainability to global harmony. By examining this rich heritage, we celebrate ancient India's unparalleled contributions to humanity's collective progress.

Development of a New ‘Engineering English for Intercultural Communication’ Online Course to Prepare New Engineers for Working in Intercultural Workplace Settings

This study aimed to develop a tailor-made online course called “Engineering English for Intercultural Communication (EEIC)” for undergraduate engineering students based on the self-report on English language proficiency, intercultural communication competence (ICC) as well as needs of a diverse set of stakeholders in the engineering professions and education. It comprises two phases: (1) analyzing the data from the stakeholders, and (2) designing and developing a course. In the first phase, a mixed-methods approach was adopted. A questionnaire was employed for a self-report on English language proficiency and problems in language use, as well as the ICC of 108 Thai engineering students at an autonomous university in Thailand and 22 Thai engineering professionals working in international companies. Then, semi-structured interviews on the necessity of engineering English and ICC for novice engineers were conducted with 16 engineering course lecturers. The second phase involves the design and development of the EEIC course. The ADDIE model was adopted and the findings from the analysis of the data collected in the first phase were used to guide the design and develop such a course with four units, each with a different focus, specifically. This study contributes to the ELT field by showcasing a course design process to meet the needs of a set of diverse stakeholders. Specifically, the course was developed based on real-life information obtained from both educational and professional contexts analyzed to provide guidance for the course design and development.

Cultural Harmony in Defense Industry: A Case Study on Innovative Intercultural Communication

In the contemporary global landscape, marked by interconnectedness, cultural diversity represents a significant factor that influences multinational organizations, particularly within the defense industry. This article centers on the pivotal role of intercultural communication within multinational defense corporations, with a specific focus on its profound impact on open innovation. Drawing upon real-world examples and existing research, it examines how Rheinmetall's open innovation strategies are shaped by the dynamics of intercultural communication. This study illuminates how Rheinmetall effectively navigates cultural disparities, adapts communication methods, and fosters a collaborative environment conducive to innovation. It underscores the transformative power of intercultural communication within Rheinmetall, enabling the organization to harness diverse perspectives, expand global networks, and spearhead innovations within the defense sector. Furthermore, this article acknowledges the challenges posed by cultural diversity in the defense industry and offers practical strategies for Rheinmetall and other defense corporations to establish inclusive and cooperative environments. Its distinctive contribution lies in its comprehensive examination of how intercultural communication intricately influences open innovation within the defense sector, exemplified through the Rheinmetall case study. This research provides valuable insights and pragmatic solutions for navigating the complexities of cultural diversity in multinational organizations.

Classic Russian Poetry in Spanish: An Essay on the Experience and Problems of Translation

It is thanks to translation, which is a challenging yet indispensable task, that Russian literature has come to be well known among the peoples of Latin America and has had a positive influence on their culture and spiritual development. Readers have been able to enjoy and appreciate many prose works by great Russian writers in Spanish. On the contrary, Russian poetry, which has also appealed to the Latin American audience, has not become as popular as the prose. Readers have had access to works by few Russian poets, with some of these poems translated from French or English. It is only recently that more poems have been translated directly from Russian into Spanish, which has attracted the interest of the public and has helped to promote classic works by distinguished Russian authors, such as A. Pushkin, M. Lermontov, S. Esenin, A. Blok, A. Akhmatova and M. Tsvetaeva. These recent advances in poetry translation raise certain issues, for instance, the technical difficulties of translating poetry in general and poems in Russian in particular, as well as the knowledge and skills it takes a translator to tackle poetry. In addition, a growing interest in Russian poetry translation begs the question of whether quality translation of poetry, especially that by eminent authors, is possible at all. Translation of poetry from Russian into Spanish allows readers to get to know the Russian world, understand its culture, humanistic and spiritual values, and, therefore, serves as a tool of intercultural communication and helps to strengthen cultural ties between Russia and Latin America.

Intercultural Communication in Second/Foreign Language Education Over 67 Years: A Bibliometric Review

ABSTRACT This bibliometric review analyzed 2,429 publications on intercultural communication in second/foreign language education from Scopus over 67 years. Findings highlight the growing integration of intercultural competence (IC) into curricula, with digital tools like telecollaboration and e-learning playing significant roles. Keywords such as “intercultural competence,” “students,” and “teaching” underscore IC’s pivotal role in shaping pedagogical strategies. The USA and China lead research output, while emerging trends include gender dynamics and technology-mediated learning. These findings stress the need for professional development, culturally responsive materials, and IC-focused learning outcomes in language education.

Mediation as Intercultural Communication: A Narrative Review

Written mediation is a critical skill that enables individuals from diverse languages and cultures to communicate with each other effectively. Developing written mediation skills is essential in language learning classrooms and is included as a component of the National Foreign Language Exam System (KPG) for advancing harmonious global societies. This narrative review explores written mediation as a form of intercultural communication in English language classroom contexts. The review provides insights into the nature and purpose of written mediation, the role of the mediator, and the competencies needed to fulfill the role with the objective of providing the information for language learning classrooms to develop and instruct written mediation skills effectively. This review goes beyond traditionally held views of mediators as interpreters primarily concerned with linguistic aspects and underscores the close relationship between and the need for a broader conceptualization of mediation that includes both language and culture. In particular, critical cultural awareness is emphasized as a primary driver of effective mediation, underscoring the importance of addressing cultural components within the English language teaching context. English language teachers have a vital role in promoting the development of learners' intercultural competence, ultimately ensuring they are competent mediators equipped to facilitate intercultural encounters.

Intercultural Exchange between China and Russia in the 21st Century

Intercultural Exchange between China and Russia in the 21st Century

An empirical study on intercultural contact and intercultural communication competence of Chinese international students in the UK

This study explores the relationship between intercultural contact (IC) and intercultural communication competence (ICC) among Chinese international students at Lancaster University, UK. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research analyzes the frequency and nature of IC and self-assessed ICC levels.Findings reveal a predominance of indirect IC, such as media consumption and cultural events, over direct interactions with native English speakers. Self-assessment of ICC indicates strong attitudes towards cultural diversity but identifies areas for improvement in domestic cultural knowledge and cognitive skills.Statistical analysis demonstrates a significant positive correlation between IC and ICC, with direct IC positively impacting communication skills and indirect IC contributing to cultural knowledge and positive attitudes.These findings emphasize the importance of both direct and indirect IC in developing ICC. Educational institutions should focus on facilitating diverse IC opportunities to enhance students’ language proficiency, cultural adaptation, and overall well-being.

‘Blocks’ and ‘threads’: Chinese students’ constructions of ‘culture’ in their reflections on ‘critical incidents’ experienced during a short-term study abroad programme in the UK

ABSTRACT This article thematically analyses 65 written reflections on ‘British’ culture by Chinese science and engineering students on a short course on intercultural communication at a UK university. Teaching centred on a ‘critical incidents’ approach (Brislin, 1986), Gibbs’s 1998 (2013) ‘cycle of reflection’ and Holliday’s (2016) non-essentialist concept of cultural ‘blocks’ and ‘threads’. Student reflections evidence ‘block’ thinking, arguably inherent in ‘critical incidents’, yet some present promising ‘threads’. The study contributes to an understanding of student outcomes of short-term study abroad and advances non-essentialist pedagogies in intercultural competence.

Conflict resolution in intercultural communication: strategies for managing cultural conflicts

Effective conflict resolution in intercultural communication entails utilizing strategies for managing cultural conflicts based on scientific approaches and research. The aim of this research is to assess and identify strategies that aid in managing conflicts arising in intercultural interactions, particularly those aimed at overcoming cultural barriers and fostering positive interactions among representatives of different cultures. An online survey method was employed in this study, and statistical methods, including comparative analysis of means and computation of t-values, were used for data processing and analysis. Experimental results indicate statistically significant differences between the control and experimental groups in resolving intercultural conflicts. The mean value in the group employing specific conflict management strategies was significantly higher (75 compared to 70 in the control group), indicating more successful resolution of conflict situations. t ≈ 8.66 denotes significant differences between the groups. The findings of the study confirm the effectiveness of utilizing specific conflict management strategies in intercultural communication. This article underscores practical significance as it offers concrete strategies and tools for effective conflict management among professionals in the field of intercultural communication. The research outcomes can be leveraged to enhance communication strategies in organizations and promote increased levels of mutual understanding and cooperation among representatives of different cultures.

Informal intercultural communication in the Arctic region

The specifics of the situation in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) give rise to the need to update the intercultural policy, which can serve as a response to the challenges of ethnic diversity. The issue is discussed in the framework of cultural sustainability of the Arctic development. The potential of intercultural communication for increasing sustainability in the context of changes in the Arctic region is considered. The solution to this problem will indicate the key role that informal intercultural communication should play in the context of civil society in the education and integration of citizens living in an international environment. The topic of the article corresponds to the priority area of research in the ethno-social and ethno-cultural development of the northern (Arctic) territories, as well as in the field of preservation and development of cultures of the North-East of the Russian Federation in the context of globalization processes. The implementation of the main concepts of this article is of great importance for solving various socio-cultural problems of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), including those related to education, interethnic relations and integration. The results of the study will help to identify ways and prerequisites for the effective use of informal intercultural communication. This kind of communication will be aimed at the integration of migrants into society, as well as promote more profound and extended intercultural interaction with the indigenous residents of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).

ANALISIS PELATIHAN KOMUNIKASI LINTAS BUDAYA PADA PERUSAHAAN MULTINASIONAL (Studi Kasus PT Kawasan Industri Nusantara KEK Sei Mangkei)

International business is a business activity carried out between one country and another. International business activities can be carried out in various forms of Foreign Direct Investment, licensing, franchising, and multinational corporation (MNC). According to Rugman, a multinational company is a company that produces abroad in addition to the parent country and operates across national borders. The development of multinational companies in Indonesia is currently very rapid supported by Indonesia's growing economic conditions. The increasing number of multinational companies in Indonesia also goes hand in hand with the increasing need to hire more workers from various countries that allow them to communicate with foreign workers stationed in Indonesia. Interaction that occurs beyond the boundaries of language and cultural differences, demanding the ability of each party to be able to understand the differences that exist is referred to as intercultural communication. The purpose of this study is to analyze how cross-cultural communication training in multinational companies in the Nusantara Industrial Zone SEZ Sei Mangkei. This research uses a qualitative method that produces descriptive data in the form of written, spoken words from people and observed behavior. With data collection techniques, namely library research, questionnaires and observation. The results showed that cross-cultural communication training at the multinational company Nusantara Industrial Estate SEZ Sei Mangkei was motivated by the existence of cross-cultural communication barriers with foreign investors, namely language differences that can lead to misunderstandings and failure of business agreements. To ensure that its employees use the English language skills acquired from the training program, the company implements daily work in speaking English.

Foreign workforce in tourism: the current status and challenges in South Korea

ABSTRACT Foreign workers play an increasingly essential role in South Korea's tourism industry, addressing labor shortages influenced by an aging population and declining birth rates. To investigate the contributions and challenges associated with the employment of foreign workers in South Korea’s tourism sector, this study gathered insights from 11 Korean employers and 11 foreign employees, focusing on key themes such as workforce diversity, intercultural exchange, language proficiency, and professional growth. Findings reveal that foreign employees enhance Korea’s tourism appeal by bringing cultural diversity, language skills, and unique perspectives. However, challenges remain, particularly in visa processing, language barriers, and integration within Korean workplace culture. The study underscores the need for supportive policies, including streamlined immigration processes and targeted language and cultural training. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on tourism workforce dynamics and highlights the importance of foreign labor for sustainable growth in South Korea’s tourism industry.

Research on the Path of Ethnic Culture Communication in Intercultural Communication in the Age of Total Media

Research on the Path of Ethnic Culture Communication in Intercultural Communication in the Age of Total Media

A Comparative Study on English and Chinese Compliments in Intercultural Communication Contexts

As society progresses, in human linguistic exchanges, compliments, a type of polite language with relatively high frequency of usage, have become prevalent. In cross-cultural communication, gracious compliments facilitate the establishment, maintenance, and preservation of harmonious interpersonal relationships. Despite their similarities, the deployment of these English-Chinese accolades reveals the disparities that exist between two distinct cultures. This paper delves into the differences between Chinese and American compliments in terms of topic and recipient, grammar and syntax structure, and response patterns, pointing out that language and culture are inextricably intertwined. Only by striving to master both languages and cultural backgrounds can one effectively utilize compliments for cross-cultural communication.

Application of Multimedia Technology in Promoting Expression and Implicit Language Learning

The development of multimedia technology has revolutionized the field of education, especially in language learning. By integrating resources such as images, audio, and video, multimedia enhances the interactive and engaging nature of learning, thereby improving learning outcomes. With the advancement of globalization, multimedia technology can simulate the real language environment and meet the needs of learners for oral and intercultural communication skills. External learning and implicit learning complement each other in language learning, and multimedia technology can effectively promote these two learning methods. Through literature review and theoretical analysis, this study evaluates the role of multimedia technology in explicit and implicit language learning, and highlight how it enhances learning interest, promotes knowledge absorption, and improves learning outcomes. However, challenges such as access to technical equipment and teacher information technology literacy remain critical considerations in the successful implementation of multimedia-based learning.

Kontroversi Penggunaan Permainan Bahasa dalam Komunikasi Antarbudaya di Pesantren Multietnis

The aim of the study is to analyze the implementation of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s language games theory in the context of intercultural communication at Pondok Pesantren Manahilil Ulum DDI Kaballangan. This research was employed a qualitative approach with participatory observation and in-depth interviews. Data were collected from utterances of students from various ethnic backgrounds, such as Buginese, Mandarese, Makassarese, and Pattinjonese, with two informants from each ethnic groups, to understand how differences in word meanings affect communication dynamics. The findings show that the different language games in each ethnic group’s local language cause significant misunderstandings, as seen in words like “bosi,” “buto,” and “doko.” However, these misunderstandings were resolved through communication adaptations, such as the use of Indonesian as a bridging language. The originality of this study lies in the application of language games theory in a multi-ethnic boarding school setting, which has not been extensively explored in the context of education. This research provides new insights into the dynamics of intercultural communication in boarding school and the adaptive strategies used by students to maintain harmony. The study’s implications highlight the importance of cross-cultural awareness and the appropriate use of language to enhance communication effectiveness in multi-ethnic boarding school settings