Intercultural communication competencies of learners of Turkish as a foreign language and cultural identity perceptions

The purpose of this research is to determine the intercultural communication competencies of Turkish as a foreign language learners and as an extension of this, to reveal their perceptions of cultural identity. In this context, the research was designed with a mixed method variation pattern. Using convenience sampling technique, 182 foreign students studying at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, TÖMER were reached. The data of the research were collected with the "Student Profile Survey, Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC) Scale and Cultural Identity questions". Quantitative findings were obtained using statistical analysis techniques such as "normal distribution test, t-test and ANOVA". Additionally, the validity and reliability of the application were determined through exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha analysis. Qualitative findings were obtained through content analysis. According to the quantitative findings, the ICC scores of Turkish as a foreign language learners showed that they had a high level of self-efficacy. ICC scores did not show a significant difference according to the participants' age, gender, language proficiency, number of foreign languages, being in a country other than Turkey, having friends from different countries, being in different cities of Turkey and citizenship variables. Apart from TÖMER, ICC scores showed a significant difference according to the variables of speaking Turkish with the city people and having Turkish friends. According to the qualitative findings, it was concluded that the participants' cultural identity perceptions were positive in terms of ICC and finally, the cultural identity perception was a sub-dynamic of ICC.