Us and them: intercultural sensitivity of Polish and Georgian adolescent multilinguals

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to compare the levels of intercultural sensitivity (IS) in teenage multilinguals coming from two post-communist countries: Poland (N=293) and Georgia (N=240). Aside from quantitative data the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale by Chen & Starosta., the qualitative part of the study focused on exploring quality of contacts with another culture. It was found that Polish students demonstrated significantly lower levels of intercultural sensitivity in spite of their greater foreign language experience. However, Georgian multilinguals demonstrated greater positive affect, both quantitatively (Intercultural Enjoyment as part of the IS assessment) and qualitatively (prevailing positively-valanced memories of significant cultural encounters). In both cohorts L2 (English) prevailed as the only foreign language related to intercultural sensitivity. The findings are discussed against the past and current political and linguistic situation in both countries.

KEYWORDS:

• Intercultural sensitivity
• ethnocentrism
• cultural encounter

Disclosure statement

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