Exploring Vietnamese English-major Students' Perceptions towards Intercultural Understanding

Ngoc Tai Huynh; Tuyet-Nhung Thi Nguyen

Ngoc Tai Huynh School of Foreign Languages, Tra Vinh University
Tuyet-Nhung Thi Nguyen School of Foreign Languages, Tra Vinh University

Abstract

This qualitative research investigates the perspectives of Vietnamese English majors on intercultural understanding. Twenty Vietnamese EFL students from a university in the south of Vietnam participated in semi-structured interviews. The majority of participants recognized the significance of intercultural understanding in language learning with various benefits. The participants also identified difficulties in communicating effectively across cultures, according to the study's findings. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of incorporating authentic materials and intercultural experiences into language instruction in order to enhance intercultural competence. Increasing cultural awareness, language proficiency, and challenging stereotypes and prejudices are strategies for fostering greater intercultural understanding. The results of this study suggests that Vietnamese foreign language educators should prioritize intercultural competence in language instruction and provide students with opportunities to engage in intercultural experiences. The findings may contribute to the literature intercultural education and language teaching methodologies, especially in the Vietnamese context.

Author Biographies

Ngoc Tai Huynh, School of Foreign Languages, Tra Vinh University

Dr Ngoc Tai Huynh is a Lecturer in English Education at School of Foreign Languages, Tra Vinh University, Vietnam. In 2022, he obtained Doctorate Degree in Education from the University of Tasmania, Australia. His research and teaching focus on TESOL, Multimodality, Applied Linguistics, and Cultural education. He has presented at various international conferences, contributed to two book chapters published on IGI Global and Multilingual Matters. He also published a number of journal articles on Social Semiotics, Australian Journal of Teacher Education, and Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education.

Tuyet-Nhung Thi Nguyen, School of Foreign Languages, Tra Vinh University

Ms. Nhung Thi Tuyet Nguyen is a PhD candidate in English language teaching methodologies at Tra Vinh university. She has been working as an EFL teacher at Tra Vinh University in Vietnam since 2009. She earned a BA in English Education in 2008 and MA degree in TESOL in 2015. Her research interests include language teaching and learning, pedagogical translanguaging, literature and culture in language learning. She has published research several peer-review journals and presented at various international conferences.

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