EFL TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS AND PRACTICE OF CULTIVATING INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE FOR YOUNG LEARNERS IN MOUNTAINOUS CENTRAL VIETNAM
Main Article Content
Abstract
In recent years, intercultural communication competence (ICC) has gained recognition as a crucial component of language education. However, research on the cultivation of ICC among primary school students remains limited. This study aims to explore the perceptions and practice of primary school teachers in cultivating ICC for young learners (YLs). Employing semi-structured interviews and classroom observations as data collection methods, the study involved 10 primary school teachers from a mountainous district in Central Vietnam. The findings indicated that while teachers demonstrated a basic understanding of ICC and its importance for YLs in the contemporary context, a substantial gap existed between their perceptions and practical implementation. In practice, ICC cultivation remained limited, with teachers mainly using simple, age-appropriate materials. Teachers adopted a proactive role in guiding and cultivating ICC, albeit through a minimal range of organized activities. Several factors influencing the cultivation of ICC were identified, which affected teachers’ intention and effectiveness of cultivating ICC for YLs.
Keywords
EFL teachers, intercultural communication competence, young learners
Article Details
References
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