Analysing the factor structure of the plurilingual and pluricultural competence scale: dimensionality, reliability, and validity of the adapted Russian version

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to adapt the Plurilingual and Pluricultural Competence scale (PPC) to the Russian-speaking population and to assess its psychometric properties. Five hundred and sixty-four undergraduate students from Western, Central, and Caucasian regions of Russia and Kazakhstan participated in the study. Internal consistency, factorial, construct, and criterion validity of the Russian version of the scale (PPCr) were examined. Unidimensional and several competing multidimensional models of the scale's structure were tested against data using confirmatory factor analysis. The final model included four first-order factors (plurilingual conversation, plurilingual cognition, intercultural tolerance, and intercultural skills) and two second-order factors (plurilingual competence and intercultural competence). The PPCr scale demonstrated good internal consistency and criterion validity. The PPCr total and plurilingual subscales scores significantly correlated with language repertoire and overall language proficiency self-assessments. Regional differences in the total PPCr score, plurilingual conversation, and intercultural tolerance scores were documented. These findings were discussed in the context of research and assessment of PPC in different socio-cultural environments. We recommended not contrasting unidimensional and multidimensional models of PPC but considering them two poles on the continuum. It suggests transitioning from a multidimensional to a unidimensional model when an individual acquires more plurilingual and pluricultural experience.

KEYWORDS:

• Plurilingual and pluricultural competence
• plurilingualism
• pluriculturalism
• intercultural competence
• Russian speakers
• undergraduate students

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for the valuable contributions made by the anonymous peer reviewers in shaping this paper into its final form. The meticulous review process conducted by the peer reviewers has played a crucial role in refining the arguments and improving the overall clarity of the research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article was originally published with errors, which have now been corrected in the online version. Please see Correction (https://doi.org/10.1080/14790718.2024.2365595)

Additional information

Funding

The article was prepared in the framework of a research grant funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation [grant ID: 075-15-2022-325].