Student Reflections on Intercultural Communicative Competence: A Case Study of EFL Islamic Higher Education Students in Kendari

Abstract

Intercultural competence is required in all walks of life. This paper aimed to investigate how the EFL students in an Islamic higher education institution in South East Sulawesi reflect on their intercultural communicative competence. Using reflective journals, the students revealed a range of examples of how they develop their intercultural competence. The participants perceived the significance of intercultural competence in communication. Through critical reflection, they stated that intercultural competence helps them to behave and communicate appropriately in many different intercultural contexts. It is hoped that these findings can be used to shape lecturers’ awareness of the importance in being more reflective in their teaching.


Keywords: Intercultural communicative competence; EFL students; Islamic higher education; reflection

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