Intercultural Interaction Research Articles

Репрезентация культурной идентичности студентов в рамках дисциплины «Межкультурная коммуникация»

This article examines the representation of the cultural identity of political science students within the discipline “Intercultural Communication” in several aspects (“I” - “Other”, group culture, discourse and pragmatics). The article emphasizes the need to rethink such concepts as “group culture”, “identity”, “political discourse” and “intercultural competence” for the development of cultural identity and the formation of intercultural communicative competence of future political scientists in accordance with modern realities. The article examines how a written text (essay) represents the cultural identity of students in situations of intercultural interaction, what markers activate cultural identity in intercultural communication, and determines the extent to which the intercultural communication of interlocutors depends on the influence of their cultural identity. The research data were collected from 25 students of the Political Science major studying in 2023–2024. Although the results of the study are not conclusive, they indicate that cultural identity dominates students' ethnocentric views and that stereotypes continue to influence the negotiation of identities in intercultural communication.

Current issues of intercultural interaction: experience of western countries

The current difficulties of intercultural interaction, experience of counteracting xenophobia and other problems are considered in the framework of the article on the example of Western countries, mainly the United States, as a state with a significant proportion of its population, including in percentage ratio, occupied by representatives of different races and cultures. In the course of the research the relevance and acuteness of the problems of intercultural interaction are assessed, the problems of weakening of peoples' self-awareness and formation of complexes of the race accused of xenophobia, as well as attempts to introduce xenophobic ideas into science are considered. The author also touches upon the topic of selective tolerance. The research is based on the analysis of scientific and informational publications on the topic under study, both domestic and foreign, representing an inside view of the problem. The material considered in the article allows us to conclude that the problems of intercultural relations in the United States are becoming more and more complicated over time, and similar processes are taking place in other Western countries, which gives grounds to recognize the policy of fighting xenophobia as ineffective. These articles can be used as a basis for further research into the problems of intercultural interaction and the possible development of measures for the settlement and subsequent prevention of these problems.

Dispositional Empathy and Cultural Sensitivity among Iranians, U.S. citizens, and Bicultural-Iranians Living in the U.S.

ObjectivesAdapting an exploratory quantitative approach, this study explores the relationship between dispositional empathy, cultural values, and cultural sensitivity among Iranians, U.S. citizens, and bicultural-Iranian individuals. MethodsUsing self-reported questionnaires, data were collected from 226 adult participants living in Iran and the U.S. ResultThe findings reveal that affective empathy consistently outweighs cognitive empathy across all groups. Bicultural-Iranian individuals demonstrate a unique profile, blending Persian cultural norms with a preference for individualistic values, along with heightened interaction, engagement, and attentiveness. Differences in cultural sensitivity are observed, with bicultural-Iranian individuals exhibiting greater engagement, attentiveness, and adherence to individualistic cultural values compared to U.S. citizens and Iranians. ConclusionThese insights contribute to our understanding of empathy, cultural orientation, and intercultural interactions, emphasizing the complexity of biculturalism and its implications for fostering inclusive and empathetic societies.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN RESOURCES IN A MULTICULTURAL ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT: ANALYSIS, CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES

The contemporary business world is characterized by rapid changes, globalization, and digital transformation, demanding adaptability and an innovative approach to resource management from organizations. Among these, human resources stand out as a key asset that determines an organization’s ability to develop, compete, and achieve sustainable success. This academic paper profoundly analyzes the significance of human resources in the modern organizational context, emphasizing their strategic importance and impact on achieving organizational goals. The paper reveals the concept of human resources, encompassing not only recruitment and staff administration but also their development, motivation, performance evaluation, and well-being. It extends beyond traditional personnel management to include aspects of organizational culture, leadership, and change management. Significant attention is given to the role of multicultural human resources in a globalized world, their impact on innovation, creativity, and enhancing an organization’s global competitiveness.Analyzing various approaches and definitions, the author emphasizes the necessity of integrating strategic human resource planning with cultural awareness and effective communication strategies to achieve the company’s strategic goals. The influence of digital technologies on human resource management is discussed, including the challenges of remote work and the need to ensure productivity and engagement in the digital era.The work underscores the importance of a deep understanding of cultural differences, the ability to create an inclusive work environment, develop intercultural interaction skills, and adaptability. This approach enables companies to better understand and meet the requirements of a diverse clientele, fosters innovation, and opens new opportunities for growth. The conclusions of the study highlight that successful human resource management in today’s dynamic and complex business environment requires a comprehensive approach that considers both traditional aspects and contemporary challenges. A profound understanding and effective management of human resources are crucial for ensuring competitiveness, innovative development, and sustainable success of organizations.

Evaluating the cross-cultural competence instrument for healthcare professionals (CCCHP) among nurses in Okinawa, Japan

BackgroundTo provide better quality healthcare services to patients with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, the cross-cultural competence of medical professionals is important. However, assessing and improving the cross-cultural competence of healthcare professionals is difficult in Japan, as there is no standardized scale to measure the competence. This study’s purpose was to translate the Cross-Cultural Competence instrument for Healthcare Professionals (CCCHP), which was developed and used in Europe, and to examine its reliability and validity among Japanese nurses.MethodsDuring June and July 2021, nursing staff were invited to take web- and paper-based surveys in Okinawa Japan. The CCCHP (five-factor model with 27 items across motivation, attitude, skills, emotion, and knowledge) was translated using a combination translation method, and a five-point Likert scale was used for responses. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and known-group method were used to examine structural validity, while Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to test reliability.ResultsA total of 294 responses were analyzed; 77.2% had more than five years of experience. Since the fit index indicated that the five-factor model was not a good fit, it was modified to a four-factor model (J-CCCHP24) by moving three variables, removing the knowledge factor, and using the error covariance of the variables. The fit index after the modification was improved to comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.92, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.91, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.05, and standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.06, and Cronbach’s alpha was 0.85. The mean scores of J-CCCHP24 were significantly higher in the group with a history of overseas travel, higher foreign language skill, training in intercultural care, experience of foreign patient care, and intercultural interactions outside the workplace than in the group without these characteristics.ConclusionThis study confirmed the validity and reliability of the modified Japanese version of the CCCHP (four-factor model with 24 items). The results suggest that the exposure to different cultures on a personal level may help improve nurses' cross-cultural competence. Further refinement of this scale for practical use would encourage the implementation of necessary countermeasures to improve the cross-cultural competence of Japanese healthcare professionals.

Диалог как приоритетная стратегия межкультурного взаимодействия в условиях новых ориентиров

The article considers the actual problems of the dialogue of cultures in the context of contradictory socio-cultural processes. Based on the study of the modern cultural situation, it is concluded that dialogue is the only possible way of interaction between cultures of the world space. As an example, the author cites Russia, which historically has a desire for dialogue with communities and cultures of the Eurasian space. The transformation-al processes taking place in the modern world have determined the inclusion of Russia in the format of Eura-sian intercultural cooperation. In this article, the author sets the task to consider the initial attitudes of the study of intercultural dialogue, to determine its practical potential in establishing intercultural interaction with the countries of the eastern continent; to show that in the context of a steady trend towards Eurasian cooperation between different cultures as independent entities acting from their own positions, dialogue becomes a promis-ing model of intercultural interaction. The scientific novelty consists in the following: the importance of intercul-tural dialogue for mutual understanding between Eastern and Russian cultures is explicated; intercultural dia-logue is analyzed as a priority strategy for intercultural interaction in the context of the Eurasian partnership; it is shown that the Eurasian peoples, which differ significantly from each other, have common values that have developed over a long period of joint existence. Being a phenomenon unique in its depth, dialogue is able to stimulate the optimal way of cultural interaction between Russia and the East in the context of the “change of epochs” and the search for a new spiritual paradigm.

Investigating Chinese students’ motives for intercultural interactions in a Chinese internationalized university

ABSTRACT This study explores the motives of host students’intercultural interactions in a Chinese academic context, which advocates internationalization of education. Three hundred and sixteen Chinese university students in an internationalized comprehensive university who reported that they had intercultural interactions responded to a self-designed questionnaire about their motives to interact with international students. Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) identified five factors: Communication Experience, Cultural Exchange, Help-Seeking, Language Enhancement and Task Fulfillment, which explained a total variance of 72.083%. The second study sought to test and verify that survey, and two hundred and five valid Chinese university student questionnaires were analyzed. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that the derived five-factor structure fit the data well. Similarity structure analysis (SSA) of the second dataset was then conducted to visually detect the interrelated structure of the five factors. These factors suggest that the broad motivations for using English in intercultural interactions match those of foreign language learning. These findings can contribute to both future research designs and ways that relevant parties might promote intercultural interactions toward building intercultural competence.

Reflection of the Japanese Consciousness and Worldview in the Context of Globalization in the Novels of Haruki Murakami.

Contemporary literature encompasses not only works but also culture, defining the processes of the past preserved in the memory of posterity. Haruki Murakami influenced the shaping of this modern culture to a great extent. The research purpose is to investigate the phenomenon of Haruki Murakami analysing the components of the collective and individual consciousness of the Japanese nation in his fiction. At the methodological level, the following methods of analyzing literary phenomena were used in the training to solve the set tasks: hermeneutic interpretation and sociological method. The research reveals the main features of the urban world of the Japanese society portraying it in progress (from the post-war period to the present moment). The evolution process is portrayed as detachment, independence and solitude. The literary factors reflect both internal spiritual relations and global intercultural links. At the same time, the writer portrays Japan as a country experiencing technological and informational progress, thereby declaring that it is ready to accept and participate in the world changes and become a part of the globalisation process. The writer has made a great contribution to the treasury of Japanese literature and his works are considered an important part of the intercultural interactions between countries they are trying to achieve in a global world. The results close the theoretical and empirical gaps in the literature and literary criticism and contribute to the analysis of the cultural and literary traditions of Japan.

Fostering intercultural interactions and outcomes for domestic graduate students through internationalization-at-home efforts

This study examined the impacts of internationalization-at-home efforts on intercultural interactions and outcomes for domestic graduate students through a Cultural Partner Program. Ninety-seven participants were recruited from a public research university in the southeastern part of the U.S. Among them, 68 participated in an experimental group in which each of them was paired up with an incoming graduate-level international student to conduct intercultural activities over one semester. All participants took pre- and post-test surveys including psychosocial measures such as wellbeing, intercultural competency, stress, and perceived support. The regression analyses found a significant conditional difference between experimental and control groups in well-being but not other variables. Standardized mean difference analyses revealed improvements present between the experimental group and control group in perceived support and interaction attentiveness and stress. University campuses need to allocate greater lengths of time and resources for graduate students to be a part of intercultural interactions on campus throughout their study.

«Аверкиев едва ли не точнее всех…»: межкультурное взаимодействие на страницах «Нового времени»

The article analyzes the curious plot of intercultural interaction on the pages of the newspaper “Novoye Vremya” by A.S. Suvorin, associated with the name of D.V. Averkiev. It is hypothesized that the approach to the selection of works for translation and Averkiev’s translation strategy itself are determined by his cultural temperament, the desire to introduce the Russian public to the best works of world literature, as well as Suvorin’s publishing tactics, supported on the pages of his newspaper. The significance of “Hamlet” for Russian culture of the late 19th — early 20th century and the presentation of this play on the pages of the newspaper “Novoye Vremya” are analyzed. The comparison of competing translations of “Hamlet” of by Averkiev and P.P. Gnedich, who collaborated with the publishing house of Suvorin, is carried out. The reasons for the preference for the translation made by Gnedich for theatrical productions and the rejection of Averkiev’s version, despite its recognized advantages, are clarified. Among these reasons are the linguistic and stylistic complexity of Averkiev’s translation and the unpreparedness of the Russian public to perceive such material. It is proved that Averkiev’s highly accurate translation of “Hamlet” has served as a starting point for the creation of further translations of Shakespeare with the focus on preserving the original senses of the plays and the author’s style of the English playwright

Формирование профессиональной идентичности студентов-медиков в процессе языковой подготовки: коммуникативный аспект

The article considers the communicative aspect of training future medical specialists for professional activity in the context of intercultural interaction. International cooperation in the field of medicine, which has increased due to the social and political importance of healthcare, increases the requirements for the professional language training of medical students, for their professional communication skills in a foreign language. The participation of medical specialists in the programs "Doctors without Borders" and the International Committee of the Red Cross requires future doctors not only proper language training, but also effective communication skills in a professional environment. It is assumed that the formation of the professional identity of medical university students can be effectively implemented if it is focused on the communicative aspect of professional language training.
 
 The purpose of the study is to determine the role of the communicative aspect of the language training of medical university students in the process of forming their professional identity.
 
 The research is based on occupational and linguistic-cultural methodological approaches. The significant role of the communicative aspect in the process of language training in the formation of the professional identity of medical university students is shown. The most important areas of professionally oriented language training are identified and characterized – training in professional communication, accuracy and clarity in the use of medical terminology, consultations with patients, registration of medical documentation and familiarization of future doctors with scientific research in a foreign language. The features of professional communication in the medical field in the context of intercultural interaction are revealed. It is proved that professional language training focused on the study of special medical terminology, cultural aspects, examples of medical documentation, as well as the participation of medical students in research activities contribute to the development of communication skills of future doctors in the process of forming their professional identity.
 
 The prospects for further research may be related to the study of the influence of the digital educational environment of the university on the process of forming the professional identity of medical students in the process of language training.

Интеграция этнокультурного компонента в процесс обучения иностранному языку студентов неязыковых факультетов в региональном вузе

The purpose of the study is to substantiate the need to introduce an ethnocultural component into the process of teaching a foreign language to students of non-linguistic faculties of a regional university in accordance with the principles of modern foreign-language vocational education as a way to harmonize interethnic and interpersonal relations in a multicultural region. The article examines the didactic potential of the discipline "Foreign language" in the formation of intercultural competence of students of non-linguistic faculties, the development of ethnic identity based on the integration of an ethnocultural component. The scientific novelty lies in the development of theoretical and practical principles, conclusions, and recommendations related to organizing the process of teaching foreign languages to students in a non-linguistic university in a multicultural region. This is based on the integration of an ethnocultural-oriented exercise system into the educational process. As a result of the study, it was found that practical classes in a foreign language in a non-linguistic university have significant opportunities in expanding the educational horizons of students of a non-linguistic university and preparing them for life in a multinational, multilingual, multicultural world. The integration of the ethno-cultural component into the educational process stimulates motivation to learn foreign languages, promotes awareness of the specifics and peculiarities of native culture as part of world culture, and the development of such important personality qualities for intercultural interaction as positive ethnic identity, empathy, and tolerance.

Religious and Cultural Diversity: The Chinese Village Community of Padang City

Kampung Cina is known as an area with cultural and religious diversity in carrying out daily life activities. This diversity certainly has differences in life. The purpose of this research is to analyze the diversity of religion and culture in the community in Kampung Cina in Padang City. Theoretical analysis uses pluralism theory or interculturalism theory. Pluralism theory highlights the existence of diverse beliefs and values in society that coexist harmoniously, while interculturalism theory emphasizes the importance of intercultural interaction and exchange to create better understanding among different groups. This research uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive research type. Data collection methods were carried out in three stages, namely participant observation, in-depth interviews and document studies. Data analysis used the Milles and Huberman analysis model. The results of this study indicate that the people of Kampung Cina Padang City live side by side and do not cause conflict. The attitude of tolerance between religions and cultures is very strong and creates a harmonious life. In addition, people live in harmony with each other and have an attitude of mutual respect and appreciation

Intra-cultural competence assessment: unveiling its influence on efl students’ affect and on their intercultural competence development

Previous research on foreign language learners' intercultural competence has predominantly centered on their understanding and awareness of the target culture. While most research attribute learners' lack of intercultural competence to their inability to understand the target culture, there has been limited exploration into how students' awareness of their own culture influences their affect and the development of their intercultural competence. Given the significance of intracultural communicatiion ability in intercultural encounters, this this study aims to assess the intracultural competence of EFL students and its impact on their affective experiences and intercultural competence development. To achieve this goal, this study focuses on Algerian undergraduate EFL students. A cohort of 40 EFL students from Ibn Khaldoun University of Tiaret participated in the study. As a research method, the research employed quantitative and qualitative method. The quantitative method draws on Fantini’s (2007) Intercultural Communicative Competence Inventory (ICCI) model, which was modified and constructed into a rating scale to assess the level of the participants' intracultural competence. The qualitative method aims to know students’ perception on the role of intra-cultural competence in influencing their affective experiences in intercultural encounters. Based on the quantitative assessments, it was found that the participants exhibited a moderate level of intracultural competence. The qualitative results, on the other hand, indicated that the participants recognized of the pivotal role that intracultural competence would play in shaping their affective experiences when engaging with individuals from different international cultural backgrounds. This research contributes to our understanding of the importance of intracultural awareness for successful intercultural interactions and provides insights for educators and institutions aiming to enhance intercultural competence among students. The findings highlight the significance of fostering intracultural competence to create more positive and enriching intercultural experiences. /Keywords: assessment, EFL students, intra-cultural competence, affect, intercultural competence development

Связь типов видеоигр и коммуникативных навыков игроков юношеского возраста: систематический обзор литературы с использованием инструмента PRISMA

<p style="text-align: justify;">The article presents a systematic review of studies on the effects of different types of video games on the communication skills of adolescent and young adult gamers. To conduct the systematic review, the PRISMA methodology was used, which offers an algorithm that makes the literature review as objective as possible. This methodology involves searching for articles of interest in databases based on keywords. Of the 1,953 articles retrieved from 2018—2023, 9 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis after going through the identification, screening, and eligibility stages. Based on the results of analysis of data from these studies, video games have the potential to develop communication skills in adolescents and young adults. The most pronounced effect is demonstrated by massively multiplayer online video games (MMOG), since during the game the participants actively interact with each other using oral and written communication. MMOGs motivate players to learn English, its grammar and vocabulary, and the ability to communicate confidently increases the players’ self-esteem and provides skills in intercultural interaction. Further development of issues related to the practical use of MMOGs within the framework of foreign language training courses seems promising.</p>

CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH MEDIA DISCOURSE: LINGUISTIC, PRAGMATIC, SOCIAL AND DIGITAL ASPECTS

The academic paper analyzes the linguopragmatic, social, and digital aspects of contemporary English-language media discourse, with a focus on its role in shaping public opinion and cultural perceptions. The introduction examines the relevance and importance of English-language media in the modern globalized world, emphasizing their impact on intercultural communication and public consciousness. The present research primarily analyzes the linguopragmatic features of English-language media discourse, in particular, the use of language strategies for achieving communicative goals. The academic paper considers how language tools influence the formation of messages and their perception by the audience. The focus is then shifted to the social and cultural aspects of media discourse. An analysis is conducted of the ways the media influence the formation and maintenance of gender stereotypes, as well as how they reflect and can potentially impact racial and ethnic representations in society. The scientific work examines the ways in which the media can enhance or provoke public debate on these important issues, as well as their role in shaping cultural identities. This is followed by a discussion of the digital transformation of English-language media discourse, with a focus on the role of social media and digital strategies in communication. The conclusions emphasize the significance of the balance between freedom of speech and media responsibility. The need to combat disinformation and increase the media literacy of the audience is emphasized. The academic paper suggests directions for further studies, in particular, analyzing the impact of English-language media discourse on different cultural contexts and developing strategies to ensure objectivity in media content. The research results have practical implications for developing media strategies and raising the level of media literacy, as well as for understanding the impact of media on modern society and intercultural interactions.

Development of linguocultural competence in teaching a foreign language

Relevance. Teaching a foreign language is associated with the assimilation of a number of educational competencies, including linguoculturological, it performs a system-forming function in learning the basics of a foreign communicative culture by students. In this regard, the programmes/technologies of mastering a foreign language by students are focused on optimising practical activities, considering the resources of intercultural dialogue, and reducing the risks of communication barriers. However, in scientific practice, there is a pronounced shortage of systematic studies concerning the problem of the development of linguocultural competence among foreign language learners. These circumstances determine the relevance of studying the stated problem. Purpose. The purpose of the study is the theoretical analysis and systematisation of scientific and methodological data, the implementation of a linguocultural approach in teaching foreign languages. Methodology. For an in-depth study of the stated problem, general scientific logical methods and methods of cognition were used. In particular, the analysis and synthesis of the material under study, induction and deduction were used as methods of clarifying scientific conclusions and expanding ideas about the possibilities of a linguoculturological approach in teaching foreign languages. Results. The study presents scientific data on the application of the linguoculturological approach in teaching foreign languages, considering various aspects of its application within the framework of the personality-oriented vector of the development of students' communicative competencies. Conclusions. The obtained scientific data on the application of the linguoculturological approach in teaching foreign languages allow considerably optimising the assimilation of the methodological foundations of successful intercultural interaction, choosing the optimal ways of applying knowledge in a multicultural dialogue by students. Furthermore, the theoretical developments of this problem can be used in choosing the optimal strategies for increasing the professional motivation of students studying foreign languages.

INTERCULTURALISM IN THE POLITICAL ARISTOCRACY MEMOIRS OF ROMANIA DURING THE PERIOD 1881-1914

Interculturalism, explored by anthropologists, sheds light on global dynamics in the past two centuries. The 19th century featured economic interdependence and labor mobility. In Europe's La Belle Époque, the nobility, predominantly in foreign affairs or state institutions, demonstrated unique intercultural interactions. Romanian nobility of the late 19th century, educated in Western universities, engaged in cultural exchanges during events like Eastern celebrations, mingling with peasants. French correspondence occasionally included phrases like "je un dor de vous." Memoirs reveal intercultural instances, emphasizing a network of connections. Romanian noble families intertwined with French, Russian, Austrian nobilities through marriages, some residing abroad, notably in Paris. Bucharesthosted French newspapers reporting global news. The daily life of the Romanian nobility authentically exemplifies interculturalism, offering historians a valuable perspective on their evolution until the First World War.

VISUALIZATIONS OF PHILOSOPHICAL CROSS-CULTURAL INTERACTION AND INFLUENCE IN A GLOBALIZED WORLD

While the process of influence between various cultural andhistorical traditions in philosophy has been taking placefor thousands of years, this inter-cultural interaction isoccurring at a more accelerated pace in the information age.While philosophers throughout history have used visualrepresentations to understand philosophical influence andhistorical origins and the distribution of philosophical ideasand sub-disciplines, this paper stresses the importance ofphilosophical visualizations to represent the global interactivityof philosophy. It provides various visualizations torepresent global philosophical interaction, the penetration ofWestern philosophical ideas into non-Western philosophicaltraditions, and the appropriation of non-Western traditionsby Western philosophers. Such visualizations are importantin the contemporary age to promote regional philosophies,to understand philosophical influence and to understand thepromotion of a kind of pluralism which remains engagedwith the global world.

“An Asiatic Deed”: The Cambodian Genocide and the West German Right, Or a Study of an Illiberal Variant of Multidirectional Memory

ABSTRACT This article explores West German commentary on the Cambodian genocide (1975–1979) to theorize the existence of an illiberal multidirectional memory. Multidirectional memory, as defined by Michael Rothberg, involves the intercultural interaction between different memory regimes. Since Rothberg coined the term, scholars in Holocaust and Genocide Studies have used this concept to investigate how the memory of the Holocaust informed political battles waged in the aftermath of colonial violence. Yet, few scholars have considered how multidirectional memory functions as a tool for right-wing political commentators. Examining the West German New Right’s response to the Cambodian genocide and the Historikerstreit of 1986–1987, a famed debate over the historicization of the Holocaust, this article uncovers an illiberal variant of multidirectional memory. It shows how right-wing thinkers in the 1970s and 1980s forged multidirectional discourses, connecting Nazi and Khmer Rouge violence, to condemn the organized left and promote self-exculpatory narratives. Scholars have recently argued for the necessity of studying the right’s memory politics. This article demonstrates that such studies should feature investigations into Europe’s illiberal, multidirectional memories.