EFL teachers’ perception and practice of intercultural competence in Palestine

Identifier:  imarina:9384798

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9384798

Authors:  Faraj J; Frumuselu AD; Bellot AR

Abstract:
Our study aims to explore Palestinian EFL teachers’ perception and practice of intercultural competence (IC) as well as the relationship the variables have with the teachers’ international exposure and previous training in IC. A nation-wide survey was used to collect data from 360 Palestinian EFL teachers. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the collected data. Findings show that while Palestinian EFL teachers have adequate knowledge of IC, their attitudes towards IC and culture teaching practices are moderate. Besides, the overwhelming majority of teachers lack international exposure and adequate training in IC. Additionally, teachers’ knowledge and practices of IC are positively correlated with international exposure and training in IC. However, teachers’ attitudes are correlated only with international contacts, with no association with overseas experiences and training in IC. This study underscores the significant role EFL teachers can play in fostering students’ IC.