English language instructors' perceptions of intercultural communicative competence in a multicultural context: A suggested model

With the improvements and developments brought about by the globalization, intercultural communicative competence has been gaining more interest and importance. As in all communicative activities, language, especially the foreign language, plays an essential role in intercultural communication. Intercultural communicative competence has been recognized by Common European Framework of Reference for Languages along with foreign language teaching curricula and textbooks. In this phenomenological study, it is aimed to document and study the experiences and perceptions of instructors teaching English abroad regarding the culture and intercultural communicative competence (ICC), and the place and application of these in the foreign language education. Mixed method data collection process is used in this study; a questionnaire, a scale, semistructured interviews and focus group interviews are used to collect data from 64 participants. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis are used to process the data through the guidance of preexisting ICC models. Analysis of the data indicates associations and concepts overlapping with preexisting models of ICC, along with new insights on components of ICC and requirements of ICC development for English language instructors working in a multicultural context. Findings reveal participants insights about possible modifications to the existing ICC models, and the essential components of training programs for ICC development.