Abstract: Financial incentives play a crucial role in the bilingual intercultural education of university students; therefore, this study aims to analyze the impact that Beca 18 has on bilingual university students from an intercultural approach. The study uses a qualitative approach, employing the interview technique, conducted with students from the Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza National University of Amazonas and the Fabiola Salazar Leguía National... [...] Read more

Abstract: International students often face challenges in adapting to new living and learning environments. This study investigated the levels of acculturative stress and its contributing factors among Asian and African international students in five internationally recognized universities in Wuhan, Hubei. A total of 243 students participated in the study, completing a questionnaire based on an adapted version of the Acculturative Stress Scale for... [...] Read more

Abstract: Literature in a given language is the ultimate culmination of cultural expression. However, in Saudi universities, the literature of the English language, mainly British and American, is meagrely taught due to dogmatic religious considerations. This study reviews relevant research on culture and literature teaching in EFL, and further delves into an exploration of the perceptions and attitudes of faculty and students with regard to why... [...] Read more

Abstract: The present study evaluated faculty and student perceptions of the challenges and benefits of intercultural and multicultural education in EFL college classrooms. Using the descriptive approach through survey, the study further investigates the benefits and barriers to inter/multicultural education in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, including content integration, acculturation pedagogy, and the incorporation of cultural knowledge in English as a... [...] Read more

Abstract: National security culture has emerged as an important factor shaping state behavior in contemporary international relations. In the current geopolitical environment, culture increasingly functions as a dimension of warfare and of national security, including information security. Drawing on a qualitative scoping review and grounded-theory-informed coding within a constructivist framework, this article examines the role of culture in the... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study examines the sociopragmatic functions of ostensible commissive speech acts in Saudi spoken Arabic, focusing on invitations and offers. Using a mixed-methods approach that combined participant observation and recall interviews, we analyzed 58 naturally occurring instances through the lenses of speech act theory, politeness theory, and the joint pretense model. The findings reveal eight core communicative functions: signaling... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate differences in dominant career orientations between self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) and company-assigned expatriates (AEs). Schein’s career model provides a theoretical framework to investigate differences in career preferences and orientations between SIEs and AEs. This paper builds career constructs by dividing the eight career anchors into two groups (boundaryless and traditional-oriented anchors). The... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study presents a contrastive analysis of the Graduation subsystem within Appraisal Theory, examining the strategic deployment of Force and Focus resources in newspaper editorials from two sociocultural contexts: Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat, Arabic) and the United States (The New York Times, English). While existing Appraisal research has largely emphasized Attitude and Engagement, the role of Graduation in shaping persuasive discourse... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study examines the relationship between team performance and subjective well-being in multicultural organizational contexts, and the mediating role of cultural integration in these relationships. Existing research highlights that understanding well-being is essential in enhancing team outcomes, yet limited studies have explored this link across diverse work settings. These findings support using well-being as a significant predictor when... [...] Read more

Abstract: Prior research has shown that academic reading poses a significant challenge for university students. One of the primary explanations is the lack of a positive reading culture among university students. Several studies have demonstrated the positive and negative effects of various factors on reading cultures. Notably, some studies indicate that university students do not read books regularly, and their cultural surroundings discourage them... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the inclusion process for students from the Awajún and Wampis ethnic communities within conventional university education in Peru. A case study design with an interpretative qualitative approach was employed. Data were collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with five students—three from the Awajún community and two from the Wampis community—selected through convenience sampling. Additionally, two life... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study investigates the influence of gender and academic major on student performance in two English language assessments—the English Placement Test (EPT), administered by the National Center for Assessment (NCA), and the Preparatory Year Program Tests (PYPT), conducted in-house at a Saudi university. The primary aim was to examine whether these demographic variables significantly affect English language proficiency during the Preparatory... [...] Read more

Abstract: Over the past 40 years, China has become progressively more open and integrated into globalization, including foreign-made movies and TV shows. The influence of American popular culture extends to English majors, who are among the most likely to be shaped by Hollywood’s ‘soft power.’ This research examines how their attitudes and behaviors are influenced by these depictions of American culture and values, and how this shapes their future... [...] Read more

Abstract: International students in Malaysian universities face uncertainty and anxiety toward a multi-new culture, a must-encountered cultural shock. This study investigated the relationship between superficial causes of AUM theory and uncertainty and anxiety in a high-context culture. In this study, 388 international students from different faculties were chosen through a method called stratified random sampling, which sampled two public universities... [...] Read more

Abstract: The internationalisation of higher education institutions is mainly focused on mobility programs.  Increasingly programs try to improve the intercultural learning of their students through internationalising their curriculum and assessing their intercultural experiences. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the acquisition of intercultural competence and professional skills of higher education students during a specific short Erasmus+... [...] Read more

Abstract: The domain of intercultural friendships between international and host national students represents a pivotal aspect of international higher education and intercultural communication. In response to the evident research gap within this realm, we conducted a phenomenological inquiry to explore how eight Omani students establish friendships with US host students and the factors that might either facilitate or impede these intercultural... [...] Read more

Abstract: This research explores the intercultural competence of Mexican pre-service English language teachers, focusing on the dimensions of attitude, knowledge, skills of interpreting and relating, skills of discovery and interaction, and critical cultural awareness. Using a comprehensive model of intercultural competence as a theoretical framework, the study adapted a self-report questionnaire to assess these dimensions within a non-multicultural... [...] Read more

Abstract: The practice of telecollaboration has gained traction since the early 2000s as a means of facilitating intercultural communication across distant locations. However, its potential to enhance learning motivation and the acquisition of intercultural mediation competence remains underexplored. This study investigated the motivational components influenced by telecollaboration and examined the potential of lingua franca telecollaboration to... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study explores the perceptions of teacher educators at a public higher education institution in Alicante, Spain, regarding the implementation of gender mainstreaming (GM) in university teaching. Addressing a historically under-researched area, the research examines the impact of GM policies on teacher education programs and identifies barriers to the effective integration of a gender-responsive approach. Using qualitative methods,... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study explores the cross-cultural pragmatic features of apology speech acts generated by Arabic native speakers, English native speakers and advanced Saudi learners of English. The instrument employed for this study was a discourse completion task (DCT). The DCT included eight situations that elicited apologetic responses from 69 participants. Results revealed that Arabic native speakers and Saudi learners of English use apology... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the literature on Communication and Resilience from 1998 to 2023. This study explores research dynamics, publication growth, and emerging trends, with a focus on international collaboration and geographic distribution. The main objective of this research is to provide a holistic view of the evolution and future direction of the field of communication and resilience research, as... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study focuses on the employment of AI technology in regular, day-to-day activities, such as when Google Translate or Bing Translator are encouraged alongside various programs and applications. It also evaluates and empirically demonstrates the subjects of writing with AI technologies, computer-assisted language learning (CALL), machine translation (MT), and automatic evaluation systems (AESs) in order to offer solutions for enhanced... [...] Read more

Abstract: This research aims to determine whether or not it is possible to use artificial intelligence (AI) in English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) courses and review previous research pertinent to artificial intelligence in EFL/ESL instruction to present a comprehensive picture of the current degree of artificial intelligence in EFL/ESL instruction. Utilization of intelligent teaching systems, self-regulated learning, virtual reality,... [...] Read more

Abstract: An increasing number of international students are pursuing studies in China and encounter challenges and uncertainty in a new foreign environment. Cross-cultural adaptation is influenced by social self-efficacy, social interaction, and WeChat use but little is known about the interaction of these three factors in influencing cross-cultural adaptation. The study examined the mediating role of social self-efficacy in the relationship between... [...] Read more

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to analyze the experience of international graduate Chinese students in the U.S. The methodology included a focus group (n=8) and personal interviews (n=8) conducted at a southeastern university. This study revealed how international Chinese students dealt with differences in expectations for the classroom environment, excellence in schoolwork, and nonverbal norms during their time studying in the U.S. Gender... [...] Read more

Abstract: This article explores intercultural contact as a pathway for the development of intercultural communicative competence (ICC) among EFL undergraduates in China during the post-pandemic era. Adopting an exploratory qualitative design with self-reports and focus group interviews as instruments, the challenges faced by EFL undergraduates in intercultural communication and intercultural contact pathways for ICC development were elicited with... [...] Read more

Abstract: China is a culturally diverse country with a significant population of ethnic minority groups. In recent years, the government has emphasized tourism as a strategic tool for fostering education and entrepreneurial awareness, particularly among Generation Z. This study aims to investigate the extent to which liberal arts courses influence students’ multicultural attitudes and entrepreneurial motivation in the tourism sector. The research... [...] Read more

Abstract: The present study aims to develop an intercultural competence (IC) instrument for Chinese students of Spanish as a Foreign Language (SFL). In order to do so, we took steps to modify the statements and confirm the validity of the IC instrument. The new instrument was validated by using exploratory factor analysis through a self-report methodology. The results showed that the instrument possessed adequate validity and reliability. The 28-item... [...] Read more

Abstract: This investigation identifies contextual characteristics associated with meaningful intercultural interactions between domestic students enrolled in a 13-week intercultural communication course and international students. After participating in an international student welcome and games event and three cultural encounters, domestic students completed post-activity reflection surveys that included a quality intercultural interaction scale and... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study investigates the ideologies and strategies used in the news discourse on Arab women. Initially, it aims to analyze the macro strategies and then highlights the micro strategies used to achieve the macro strategies proposed by van Dijk. It also identifies the ideologies of the selected newspapers regarding Arab women. Four newspapers were selected: the Washington Post, Daily Mail, Arab newspaper, and Gulf Times. The findings reveal... [...] Read more

Abstract: Developing intercultural communicative competence among Chinese university students is essential in the era of globalization; however, disparities persist between ranked universities and general universities. While RUs benefit from extensive internationalization resources, general universities often lack structured intercultural communication instruction and opportunities due to resource disparities, prestige, or geographic constraints, and... [...] Read more

Abstract: The current study aimed to assess the intercultural competence (IC) of Chinese students of Spanish as a foreign language (SFL) using Chen's (2019) Chinese Intercultural Competence Scale (CICS), as well as to investigate which external factors influence the acquisition of IC in the field of SFL. The quantitative data from the study show that the participants' IC level was neither high nor low. Their level of IC was affected by age, study... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study investigates the re-entry acculturative experiences and challenges facing foreign-educated returnees working at Chinese universities. Fifteen returnees from five universities in a southwestern province of China participated in semi-structured interviews. The study, using the ABC theoretical framework, highlights the acculturative process of returned academics in terms of role expectations, transformed identities, and cultural... [...] Read more

Abstract: The mission to promote national unity has become more strenuous with the decline of intercultural engagement among multicultural students in Malaysian public universities. Underpinned by Anxiety/Uncertainty Management (AUM) theory, this article examines barriers to intercultural communication by integrating ethnocentrism as an additional barrier. Based on a quantitative approach, 449 valid responses were collected from undergraduates from... [...] Read more

Abstract: Over the past decade universities have become increasingly global. International contacts, cooperation, exchange and communication is used for benchmarking research and teaching. English-speaking universities,in particular, are actively recruiting huge numbers of foreign students to increase the pool of paying and qualified students. At Copenhagen Business School, a significant number of students (5-10%) are on exchange - in and out -every... [...] Read more

Abstract: This paper highlights the role and efficiency of first-language use alongside English in English-medium instruction (EMI) programs in Japanese universities. To provide educational support and enhance bilingual communication between Japanese and international students, two courses are suggested: elementary Japanese for international students and intercultural communication for both. An analysis of their communication and remarks during these... [...] Read more

Abstract: This article explores the possible theoretical relationships of ethnocentrism (independent variable) and interethnic interaction (mediating variable) with interethnic bridging social capital (IBSC) (dependent variable). Interethnic bridging social capital is extremely noticeable that there is a lack of such investigation in specifically Malaysian public universities. In an attempt to clarify the current situation, a survey questionnaire was... [...] Read more

Abstract: Communication apprehension is defined as “an individual's level of fear or anxiety associated with either real or anticipated communication with another person or persons” (McCroskey 1984: 279). While many prior studies have investigated oral communication apprehension among undergraduate students, there has been little research exploring this phenomenon among doctoral students. This study applied qualitative methodology via observation and... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study examines the use of suggestion speech acts in Instagram comments, with particular attention to how Saudi EFL users demonstrate pragmatic competence in digital communication. Drawing on Martínez Flor’s taxonomy of suggestion strategies, the study analyzes 103 suggestion-oriented comments selected from an initial dataset of 150 Instagram comments. A mixed-methods design was adopted: qualitative analysis was used to classify... [...] Read more

Abstract: As an expatriate-majority state with a diverse multicultural and multilingual environment, Kuwait offers a distinctive opportunity for examining intercultural communication competence (ICC). This study examines the extent to which cognitive, affective, and behavioral predispositions toward ICC are present within the context of higher education by examining multilingual student populations at three local universities. Using survey data from... [...] Read more

Abstract: Semester at Sea is a US-American study abroad programme during which students spend a semester on a ship studying while visiting various countries. The purpose of this article is to determine the intercultural competence development in the students during the Fall voyage through a self-assessment questionnaire. The research is anchored in a post-positivistic research paradigm, using an intercultural competence survey questionnaire to... [...] Read more

Abstract: The workforce in South Africa has seen significant transformation, with many organizations now collaborating with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Cultural diversity influences behavior and interactions among employees, who may find it challenging to navigate communication with colleagues from different cultures. This article explores workers' perceptions of intercultural communication approaches in the workplace. Using a... [...] Read more

Abstract: This article explores the experiences of Chinese postgraduate students in a UK university using the lens of rhythmanalysis. This study goes beyond intercultural interactional moments and examines how intercultural experience is organised through temporal, spatial, and emotional rhythms. The data were generated through narrative interviews with four students, and narrative rhythmanalysis was employed for analysis. Findings show that students’... [...] Read more

Abstract: Ambiguity in some syntactic structures of the same language has always posed problems to the human translator and to machine translation. These problems become more complex for the Machine Translation of genetically unrelated languages such as Arabic, English and French. Arabic Lexical ambiguity in Natural Language Processing (NLP) also poses problems when the semantic fields of Arabic words differ from those of English for instance. This... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study aims to investigate lecturers' understanding of blended learning and skills in using several platforms for blended learning-based lectures, the effectiveness of the training on blended learning to improve lecturers’ competence, and the impact of the blended-learning lectures on their students’ learning outcomes. A quantitative approach was implemented in this research.  The participants involved 30 lecturers and 67 students of... [...] Read more

Abstract: The study of postcolonial literature and culture corresponds with recent developments in the didactics of foreign language teaching at the advanced secondary school level and, for that matter, at the university level as well. This article aims to highlight three significant interfaces connecting postcolonial and didactic discourse. Firstly, the challenge posed by the "center" to the "periphery" implies a radical change in perspective and... [...] Read more

Abstract: Many adolescents are exposed to violent content in digital games due to their widespread use. Aggression among students is becoming more common throughout the world, including in Jordan. In light of this, the study explored how exposure to violent digital games influences students' aggression. Normative beliefs about aggression (NBAA) are also discussed based on the prediction that this variable mediates the relationships between violent... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study aimed to obtain data from previous studies on the relevance culture of Islamic economic principles and democracy and welfare based on the Pancasila ideology. Our data search was conducted electronically on many international and national publications between 2010 and 2021. Furthermore, our data has been analyzed involving several techniques such as data analysis, interpretation, in-depth analysis of critical evaluation, and drawing... [...] Read more

Abstract: For several decades, the use of the internet to frame stories has posed significant challenges for conventional media houses globally, including in South Africa. Moreover, what remains largely unexplored is the impact of using Indigenous languages to cover international events on social media platforms in South Africa. To address this research gap, this study examines the framing strategies employed by the South African Broadcasting... [...] Read more

Abstract: Cultural words usually pose some challenges to translators, especially when they translate texts into languages which are culturally different. This study investigates the translation of cultural items in The Forty Hadiths by Imam Al-Nawawi. It adopted the qualitative approach for selecting and analyzing the translation of culturally-bound items of the selected Prophet Mohammed’s hadiths posted on the Web by Sunnah.com. Moreover, it used... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study aims to uncover the relationship between two cybercrimes, harassment and blackmailing, as well as their impact on Jordanian society. The study population included 90 prosecutors working in Jordanian courts. The researchers used the relational method in the second half of the academic year 2020. According to Jordanian prosecutors, the rate of cybercrime harassment is average, whereas that of blackmail is high. The findings also show... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study intended to propose a model of intercultural communicative competence integrating international posture, L2 motivational self-system, autonomy, and cognitive learning strategies. To do so, 180 EFL learners in the Iranian EFL context, selected by convenience sampling procedure, participated in the study. The findings, derived from structural equation modeling, showed that the model adequately fits to the data. That was discussed... [...] Read more

Abstract: The paucity of studies on plagiarism in some under-explored contexts, such as Afghanistan and Tajikistan, highlight the necessity of conducting this study. To this end, 200 Iranian, 185 Afghan, and 170 Tajik EFL students, who share certain commonalities regarding culture and language, participated in the study. The iThenticate (2013) questionnaire and two essay-type questions on the main reasons for committing plagiarism and possible ways to... [...] Read more

Abstract: In today’s digital age, emojis have come to compensate for the nonverbal cues that speakers use to communicate their attitudes or emotions as they speak, and hence become an essential element of online communication. In the realm of WhatsApp, where written conversations with an immediacy level close to that of spoken are supported, an ironic or sarcastic message is likely to be misunderstood, as it involves decrypting a meaning that often... [...] Read more

Abstract: The spirit of Islamic economics has recently developed in Indonesia, which is the context of this study evaluating the culture of using conventional accounting and economic systems. The objective of this study is to determine how the Islamic economy applies mainstream accounting and financial systems culturally. Our study explored the applicability of standard accounting and economic systems from an Islamic perspective. Initially, we gathered... [...] Read more

Abstract: Effective intercultural communication is one possible way of improving intercultural competency and ultimately assisting an organisation to achieve success. Employees from different cultural backgrounds are required to adapt and accommodate each other in intercultural communication interactions. Therefore, this article sought to establish the effects of biographical variables on employees at a university of technology. An online... [...] Read more

Abstract: Intercultural competence (ICC) is now widely recognized as essential to living and working in an increasingly globalized and multicultural world. As a result, considerable attention and resources are devoted to programs for enhancing and assessing ICC, particularly within post-secondary institutions. Concomitantly, these efforts have spurred a massive increase in the volume of publications focused on fostering students’ ICC.  Yet, recently,... [...] Read more

Abstract: Sustainable Land Management (SLM) plays a crucial role in mitigating land degradation and fostering food security. While previous research has primarily concentrated on SLM's scientific application, there remains a lack of insight into the specific challenges encountered in agroforestry practices. Addressing this knowledge gap, our qualitative research employed a multimethod approach, integrating Gioia methodology with case studies, to... [...] Read more

Abstract: Face negotiation theory has been an influential theory of intercultural conflict management. However, as a theory of functional approach, it has limitations in analyzing dynamic conflict management process. Using repeated episodic interviews, this paper attempts to combine this theory with Spencer-Oatey’s (2007) face and identity model as well as post-structural perspectives of identity to analyze the dynamic and complicated conflict... [...] Read more

Abstract: Orthography is a critical component of the English language and serves as a repository for its linguistic and cultural heritage. The evolution of English orthography can be traced through three major stages: Old English, Middle English, and Modern English, each reflecting the socio-political circumstances of its time. Written records from the Old and Middle English periods reveal that the complexity of English spelling arises from the... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study investigates the implementation of cross-cultural communication through the Green ASEAN Culture Festival at Universitas Padjadjaran, positioning it as a strategic pedagogical tool for fostering intercultural competence in higher education. Employing a qualitative case study design, the research integrates data from 15 semi-structured interviews with student organizers and performers representing five academic programs, as well as... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study aims to identify the influence of the head of the Character Development Center (Kapusbangkar) Leadership style on the attitudes, discipline and culture of cadets and measure the level of attitudes and discipline of cadets of the Indonesian Aviation Polytechnic Curug. This study uses a quantitative approach using a Pre-Experimental Design research design with One-Shot Case Study. The research was conducted at the Indonesian Aviation... [...] Read more

Abstract: Gaming, in conjunction with innovative education, is gaining traction as a means of motivating and involving learners in their intercultural learning process. Vast research supports the relationship between learning games and increased motivation and connection. Learning games are a promising technique for aiding the acquisition of a language. This study was planned as a descriptive qualitative study, with data collected through brief... [...] Read more

Abstract: This research investigates the impact of disgust towards culture mixing on acculturation and life satisfaction among mainland Chinese sojourners adapting to life in Hong Kong. In Study 1, drawing from previous research, we developed a measurement tool for assessing disgust towards mainland China-Hong Kong culture mixing and validated it in a sample of mainland Chinese students. We then conducted two longitudinal studies (Study 2 and 3) to... [...] Read more

Abstract: Previous research has focused on the implementation of Development Planning Deliberation (DPD) as a tool to improve development communication among stakeholders, but few have explored this issue in the context of democratization in rural economies. Success in DPD is often determined by the capacity and competence of human resources in the government sector, public service, administration, and socioeconomic empowerment. This study examines the... [...] Read more

Abstract: Whilst the Covid-19 outbreak has deleteriously influenced the functioning of most organizations, Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) of Community Learning Centres (CLC) has an essential role in achieving stakeholder satisfaction. CLC shall carry out quality assurance independently in terms of establishing, fulfilling, evaluating, and developing educational standards that can guarantee the function of implementing educational programs and... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study advances a re-conceptualization of intercultural competence as an emergent, relational practice constituted within dynamic networks of interaction. Employing a conceptual methodology informed by Actor-Network Theory (ANT), it proposes a perspective that considers both human and non-human actors/actants, including technological artifacts, semiotic and linguistic resources, institutional structures, and spatial-material... [...] Read more

Abstract: This research focuses on social media use by Asian international students in the U.S. and its impacts on their subjective well-being, social support, and cultural adjustment. In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 international students from six Asian countries who are studying in a Midwestern University in the U.S. The research finds that social media helps to compensate Asian international students for the loss of social support and... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study investigates Jordanian EFL teachers' perspectives on the impact of Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) technology on word identification enhancement. Drawing on the theory of Multimedia Learning, the research aims to address a gap in the literature regarding EFL educators' perceptions of using IWBs to improve word identification skills. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 124 Jordanian EFL teachers, and data were analyzed using... [...] Read more

Abstract: Technology and society have been interconnected since the dawn of civilization. Literature has always served as an active medium to represent the interaction between these two fields. Fiction often utilizes technology as a backdrop for exploring societal conflicts. Science fiction, in particular, frequently depicts the complex interactions between technology and civilization. Nanopunk emerges as a significant genre within the realm of... [...] Read more

Abstract: Translation plays a vital role in globalisation by acting as a bridge of cross-cultural communication. The current study investigated 232 published Web of Science (WoS) core journal articles on domestication and foreignisation concepts in translation studies in the past two decades through bibliometric analysis. Specifically, the evolution of the concepts with major research trends, burst detection, keyword timelines, and citation networks is... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study examines Sulayman Al Bassam’s adaptations of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Richard III, and Twelfth Night, analyzing how his reworkings critique political leadership in the contemporary Arab world and deconstruct the Western discourse on Islamic terrorism. Al Bassam utilizes the disruptive elements in Shakespeare’s original works to engage with issues of religious extremism, Western opportunism, and authoritarianism in Arab/Muslim... [...] Read more

Abstract: Effective use of business intelligence has become essential for small and medium-sized organizations (SMEs) in the era of digitalization due to the introduction of new technologies. Therefore, this study aims to measure the influence of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and other factors, for example, the quality of information, organization readiness and technology infrastructure, on business intelligence. A quantitative research... [...] Read more

Abstract: The number of immigrants living in Finland has significantly increased since the 1990s. It can be challenging to live and integrate into a new society. This study explores the challenges immigrants face living and integrating into Finnish society. Drawing on data collected from 103 immigrants living in Finland, this study shows that the challenges immigrants face integrating into Finnish society can be classified into four main categories:... [...] Read more

Abstract: Americans, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese ( N =250) rated 57 random proposed conversation topics on a five-point scale (i.e., very good, good, neutral, bad, very bad) to a same-culture, same-sex school friend. Five factors emerge and are characterized as:  Familial Biographical Data ,  Skeletons in the Family Closet ,  Small Talk Topics ,  Personal Information Topics , and  Intimate Relations Topics . For the... [...] Read more

Abstract: The primary objective of any Business English course is to equip learners with the communicative competence required for professional environments. Accordingly, this study aimed to design and evaluate a technology-enhanced educational intervention to improve Business English proficiency among undergraduate economics students. Employing an action research methodology, the study was supported by post-tests, student surveys, and descriptive... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study is an attempt to provide an alternative insight into the nature of foreign language anxiety (FLA) from a cross-cultural perspective. The participants were 122 Arab and 107 Iranian second/foreign language students. The present study used a mixed methods design, i.e. questionnaire and interview, to gain a richer understanding of the participants’ FLA. It was found that in addition to experiencing anxiety due to pressures related to... [...] Read more

Abstract: The current study focuses on the effects of English language instruction using Education 4.0 in Telangana's engineering institutions. Telangana has many educational facilities that offer Education 4.0, or technology-based learning. It fosters creativity in education. At the fundamental level, students can learn by being provided with a self-learning opportunity. The majority of the subjects were learned through Education 4.0. As a result,... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study, grounded in a mixed-methods framework, examines the hindrances affecting the speaking skills of low-proficiency ESL undergraduates at a public university, with a specific focus on the perceived role of language anxiety. The study collected quantitative data by using a well-structured questionnaire, whereas qualitative insights were captured through semi-structured interviews to examine learners’ reported classroom experiences.... [...] Read more

Abstract: The present study investigates how positive and negative intergroup contact experiences relate to attitudes toward multiculturalism and assimilation, and examines whether these relationships are mediated by intergroup anxiety, intergroup threat, and pro-diversity beliefs. A secondary analysis was conducted using cross-sectional survey data from a sample of German university students. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the... [...] Read more

Abstract: Why do political messages so often fail to persuade voters and increase voter turnout, and what does this reveal about voter decision-making? In Jordan, scholars and journalists have long highlighted the challenges associated with low voter turnout in parliamentary elections. However, the media framing techniques intended to engage voters, the reasons these frames have failed—particularly in mobilizing youth participation in the 2020... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study aims to examine the intercultural sensitivity (IS) of in-service teachers in Greece by providing a nationwide profile across the five dimensions of the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS). Addressing a gap in previous Greek research, which has largely focused on pre-service teachers, specific specializations, or geographically limited samples, the study investigates whether Greek teachers’ intercultural sensitivity is balanced... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study aims to design, develop, and evaluate a semantic knowledge graph (KG) and web application that ethically and effectively represents the ethnographic diversity of 375 ethnic groups across Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China. Addressing the limitations of conventional Knowledge Organization Systems (KOS), the project integrates semantic web technologies with community-informed data to capture complex relationships... [...] Read more

Abstract: This research aims to investigate the structural mechanisms underlying tourist loyalty in emerging ecotourism destinations. Using the Stimulus-Organism-Response framework, it examines how cognitive and affective dimensions of destination image influence loyalty intentions, while exploring the mediating role of cultural intelligence. A quantitative design was deployed, based on a survey of 720 ecotourists in Tunisia, with Structural Equation... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study examines the nuances among the chosen near-synonyms and the extent to which the translators considered such nuances in the selected translations of the Qur’an. It seeks to identify the meanings of two sets of near-synonyms in their Qur’anic contexts based on the Qur’ānic exegeses. It also highlights the differences in meaning that exist among these near-synonyms and the extent to which the semantic differences among those... [...] Read more

Abstract: The aim of this study is to explore the role of cultural intelligence in international business-to-business (B2B) negotiations involving culturally diverse dyads. While intercultural competencies have been widely studied, the specific contribution of cultural intelligence, viewed both as a form of intelligence and a practical competence, remains underexplored in negotiation contexts. This study addresses this gap by investigating how cultural... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study investigates Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Kuwait, with a particular focus on the cultural awareness and communication adaptability of paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). EMS professionals routinely engage with patients from diverse sociocultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds, complexities that are further heightened by the urgent, high-pressure nature of emergency care. Given Kuwait’s unique... [...] Read more

Abstract: People speak different languages across the globe and belong to different cultures, but they still need to communicate. People of discrete cultures think differently and use various concepts and expressions across languages. Such differences appear in literature and are expressed through culture-specific items (CSIs). This study analyzes the CSIs in Al Shehhi’s أنا و العم سام /?na: wa l؟am sa:m/ (2016) and its English translation, ‘Uncle Sam... [...] Read more

Abstract: The western Balkans are persistently grappling with its unfavorable inter-ethnic reputation. Although political toleration has been consistently proposed as a solution for inter-ethnic tensions, this paper argues for the adoption of the Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) framework, offering a fresh perspective to an old problem. Rooted in the 'communication perspective', CMM provides a crucial platform for stakeholders to interact... [...] Read more

Abstract: Pragmalinguistic (PML) failure complicates intercultural communication in both productive and receptive modes. This paper attempts to unravel the persuasive strategies used by Albanians writing in Greek and further record the overall suitability score they received when assessed by Greek teachers (n=176). A protocol sample of extracted persuasive strategies was created to be used for further investigation, with respect to their suitability.... [...] Read more

Abstract: This qualitative study investigates the persuasive strategies employed in 100 textual advertisements on OpenSooq, a major online sales platform in Jordan. Guided by Beebe and Beebe’s (2013) model of persuasive communication, the analysis examines how credibility, emotional, and logical appeals are discursively realized in Jordanian digital contexts. Using thematic coding supported by ATLAS.ti, the findings show a marked preference for... [...] Read more

Abstract: Among the animated series that became very popular and witnessed tremendous success in the Arab world is the Japanese Detective Conan, which was first dubbed in 1998 and redubbed in 2013 to convey Islamic values. However, the re-dub did not attract wide viewership and remained infamous among the Arabic anime community. This study is an attempt to investigate the differences between the two versions with a particular emphasis on technical... [...] Read more

Abstract: Globally, universities are tremendously pressurised to improve throughput rates, intercultural proficiency, and academic transformation. However, at some universities, educators often neglect the ICC component in EL2 teaching. This article analyses the feasibility of integrating the ICC component into the EL2 courses, to enhance curricula decolonisation, intellectual and cultural freedom in South African universities. From a socio-cognitive... [...] Read more

Abstract: With a steady growth in globalisation, many universities increasingly invest in their human capital by training employees to meet the demands of organisational diversity, to become culturally flexible and adaptable in multicultural contexts. Internationalisation is an important part of a university’s economic, academic and cultural vitality, and this is true at Massey University in Aotearoa New Zealand. In order to proactively build the... [...] Read more

Abstract: Attracting the best students into universities is a policy agenda driven by the state and universities in Estonia and Denmark. While the policies on internationalization of higher education (IoHE) in Estonia and Denmark are well crafted, the value that international graduates add to the learning environment and culture are hardly explored. Adopting a phenomenological approach, this study aims to describe transformative intercultural learning... [...] Read more

Abstract: While the hiring of international faculty is increasing among competitive universities, some universities face a major challenge in doing so: their foreign hires do not speak the primary language of instruction of that university. This study examines the host country language skills of expatriate academics in two countries: Korea and Japan. Specifically, this study investigates (a) the study effort invested and (b) the language proficiency... [...] Read more

Abstract: Recently, there has been a phenomenon of reclaiming cultures other than those of the target language in English language teaching (ELT). This qualitative research explores intercultural topics in Indonesian ELT classrooms that are shown along with the target and global cultures. The research involves four English teachers from two Indonesian universities who have intercultural experience studying in universities overseas. Data were collected... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study aims to determine the variables capable of predicting the concept of intercultural sensitivity. For this reason, it uses correlational survey model. The participants in this study were the prospective primary school teachers studying in Dicle and Marmara Universities in Turkey. This study employed basically three tools for data collection-namely- Personal Information Form, Empathetic Tendency Scale, and Intercultural Sensitivity... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of integrating Blog Assisted Language Learning(BALL) and small culturally -mixed group work on improving the perceptions of intercultural communication and writing research projects of university students (n=102) of different cultures enrolled in Advanced Rhetoric classrooms in two American universities during a 16-week period. The study employed Pre-test/Post-test control group design whereby the... [...] Read more

Abstract: This paper reports on a project designed to promote intercultural learning and understanding between language students across three universities in Australia, Mexico and Germany. It examines students’ self-recorded Skype exchanges and assesses them within the debate over the inclusion of interculturality in language learning and teaching. By examining the negotiation of meaning that occurs between exchange partners, the study highlights the... [...] Read more

Abstract: To gain international recognition, many universities in Indonesia offer international student exchange programs, one of which is the credit transfer program. Participants in that program have differences in communicative competence. That holds for Indonesian students studying abroad and vice versa. This study analyzes the intercultural communication skills of international students and aims to acquire comprehensive information on... [...] Read more

Abstract: This paper employs a focus group approach to examine stereotypical perceptions of Chinese and U.S. Americans from each other's perspective. Eight focus groups were conducted involving 34 undergraduate participants from two universities in the U.S. and China. Group discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for emerging themes. Results showed that there were converging and diverging perceptions between Americans and Chinese.... [...] Read more

Abstract: This study aims to explore cultural differences between Thais and Spaniards in the classroom setting to identify problems caused by cultural differences and propose guidelines for coping with those issues. We interviewed forty Thai university students majoring in Spanish and ten Spanish teachers working in Thai universities about their expectations and experiences with regards to teachers’ and students’ behaviors and interactions in the... [...] Read more

Abstract: Globalization and increasing cultural diversity have resulted in the growing necessity of being able to communicate effectively across cultural and linguistic contexts—that is, of intercultural communication competence. This study adapted extant empirically-based scales to explore the constructs of communication competence at the macro (cultural) and micro (regional) scale, the variations based on demographic characteristics, and the... [...] Read more

Abstract: We present a method to promote intercultural dialogue in the classroom. It builds on a carefully designed hypertext consisting of film fragments, linked together by one situation. While the fragments present identical situations, the protagonists in the films act differently depending on their value orientations. By presenting the students with fragments only, we trigger their imagination; they use their own cultural backgrounds to fill the... [...] Read more

Abstract: Using a constructivist epistemology, this paper explores the cross-cultural learning experiences of exchange students from  Hochschule  Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences in Germany and the University for Development Studies in Ghana. The findings reveal differences in the students’ commitment to agreements, tasks and time; while the German students have a high commitment to time awareness -- reporting to lectures and other... [...] Read more

Abstract: This article contributes to   the rethinking of qualitative interview research into intercultural issues. It suggests that the application of poststructuralist thought should not be limited to the analysis of the interview material itself, but incorporate the choice of interviewees and the modalities for the accomplishment of interviews.  The paper focuses on  a discussion of theoretical and methodological considerations of... [...] Read more

Abstract: This paper presents initial results from analysis of data collected on the topic of politeness in intercultural email communication from a large cohort of Australian academic and general staff at an established metropolitan university. We were interested in the language used by these staff members while they conducted their initial email communication with their contacts overseas. The contacts overseas were, for example, fellow professional... [...] Read more

Abstract: Connecting with culturally diverse individuals require in-depth understanding and knowledge of intercultural competence. This paper focuses on the Malaysian students’ intercultural competence in the Malaysian campus to gain insights into their social interaction. Specifically, we highlight the Malaysian students’ reflection of intercultural competence based on their encounters with the international students in the Malaysian university... [...] Read more