Intercultural Competence in EFL Learning: Implications for Sustainable Development

Abdulfattah Omar and Iman El-Nabawi Abdel Wahed Shaalan

World Journal of English Language, 2023, vol. 13, issue 8, 335

Abstract: In today's globalized world, the development of intercultural competence is essential for the learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). This paper aims to investigate the significance of intercultural competence in relation to sustainable development and explore the challenges faced by EFL learners in acquiring this essential skill in the Egyptian and Saudi universities. The study is based on the premise that improving intercultural competence among EFL learners can significantly contribute to sustainable development. Intercultural competence fosters mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect for cultural diversity, laying the foundation for harmonious and productive global interactions. To improve intercultural competence in EFL learners in the Egyptian and Saudi universities, the study conducted an interview survey with 30 faculty members, English department heads, program designers, and stakeholders. Results emphasize the importance of incorporating authentic intercultural experiences into EFL curricula and providing learners with practical opportunities to develop their intercultural competence. The study highlights the necessity of integrating intercultural competence into EFL materials to equip EFL learners with the requirements of sustainable development and better addressing the globalization challenges. Educators, program designers, policymakers, and researchers are finally recommended to promote intercultural understanding and sustainable development through EFL education.

Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.sciedupress.com/journal/index.php/wjel/article/download/23947/15272 (application/pdf)
https://www.sciedupress.com/journal/index.php/wjel/article/view/23947 (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:jfr:wjel11:v:13:y:2023:i:8:p:335

Access Statistics for this article

World Journal of English Language is currently edited by Joe Nelson

More articles in World Journal of English Language from Sciedu Press
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sciedu Press ().