Open AccessExamining EFL students’ pluricultural and plurilingual development during intercultural virtual exchanges between Colombia and Germany
Author(s) -
Alice Gruber,
Angela Bailey
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
global journal of foreign language teaching
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2301-2595
DOI - 10.18844/gjflt.v11i1.5148
Subject(s) - adaptation (eye) , psychology , english as a foreign language , perception , competence (human resources) , mediation , cultural competence , computer mediated communication , foreign language , pedagogy , intercultural communication , intercultural competence , language proficiency , sociology , computer science , world wide web , social psychology , the internet , social science , neuroscience
This study examined intermediate students English as a foreign language (EFL) perception of their plurilingual and pluricultural competence, via online interaction and mediation through a virtual exchange project. Virtual exchanges are a means for inter- and intracultural development, language proficiency, and personal growth and transformation. Results of pre- and post-project questionnaires, as well as surveys, show shifts in cultural knowledge construction, adaptation to novel social co-participation situations, and recognition of the need for cultural awareness. Pedagogical implications for both the classroom and the implementation of virtual exchange projects are discussed.