Enhancing EFL Learners' Intercultural Communication through Online Interaction.

Abstract

In the dynamic landscape of learning English as a foreign language (EFL), intercultural communication has emerged as a critical skill essential for navigating the complexities of a diverse world. The current study attempts to investigate the impact of utilizing online interactions in improving EFL learners’ intercultural communication. Hence, it aims at examining EFL students’ attitudes and perceptions concerning the use of online interactions as a means to improve their intercultural communication skills. Mainly, it intends to raise students’ awareness about the value of participating in online interactions in order to elevate their intercultural communicative competence. Thus, it is hypothesized that the use of online interactions may enhance EFL learners’ intercultural communication skills. To achieve the research aim and to verify the aforementioned hypothesis, the descriptive quantitative method is adopted. The latter is demonstrated by using a semi-structured questionnaire, through which qualitative data is collected. First year Master students of English language from 8 Mai 1945 University of Guelma formed the sample of the research. The findings highlight that students are aware about the significance of using online interactions in EFL classrooms in order to improve their intercultural communication. Hence, it is highly recommended that the learners’ intercultural communication is enhanced through the use of online interaction.