Exploring the intersection of language and culture via telecollaboration: Utilizing videoconferencing for intercultural competence development

ABSTRACT

This study qualitatively investigated students from a Mexican university and a U.S. university and how their intercultural competence (IC), the ability to appropriately and effectively communicate with others from countries and cultures other than one’s own, was affected by a five-week telecollaborative exchange. To examine the ways in which students in both second languages (L2s), Spanish and English, developed IC, the researchers deductively analyzed over six hours of Zoom video sessions of two participants (n = 2) according to a 15-category IC framework. Results revealed that the Communication Skills category was coded almost 72% more than the next-highest category of Cultural Self-Awareness/Understanding. These results suggested that SCMC-based telecollaboration is an effective vehicle for collaboration and in turn IC development. In addition, this study shows the value of integrating telecollaboration into L2 learning and teaching, as it gives learners an opportunity to explore the intersection of language and culture.

KEYWORDS:

• Intercultural competence
• language and culture
• synchronous communication

Acknowledgments

In carrying out this study, the authors received assistance from the following research assistant, who deserves their thanks: Alma Carolina Aguilar Ramirez.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

¹ Prior to a name change due to marriage, the author used her maiden name, Bohinski, for publications.

² NVivo is a qualitative data analysis software. More information can be found at http://www.qsrinternational.com/nvivo/nvivo-products.