Enhancing Intercultural Communicative Competence in EFL Education for Sustainable Development and Globalization Challenges

Abstract

In response to the ongoing challenges posed by globalization, this research investigates the critical need for enhancing Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) among EFL learners within Saudi universities. Employing qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews with twenty-eight stakeholders in seven Saudi universities, this study emphasizes the urgency of bolstering ICC within EFL curricula. The findings underscore the profound significance of integrating authentic intercultural experiences and creating pragmatic avenues for skill refinement. While acknowledging the consensus regarding the importance of enhancing ICC in EFL education, this research also sheds light on various obstacles that may impede the effective integration of ICC. These obstacles encompass limited resources, resistance to change, constraints arising from cultural diversity, language barriers, cultural stereotypes, biases, and time constraints, thus underscoring the need for meticulous planning, resource allocation, and the provision of professional development opportunities. This research strongly advocates for an unwavering commitment to continued research in this field, with the primary goal of advancing ICC among EFL learners. The study offers a range of strategic proposals, including the integration of ICC into the curriculum, the facilitation of cultural immersion opportunities, the promotion of cross-cultural collaboration and communication, the integration of technology for intercultural learning, the provision of intercultural training for EFL educators, and the cultivation of partnerships with international businesses and organizations. The implications of this study are significant for educators, policymakers, and researchers dedicated to fostering intercultural understanding and sustainable development through EFL education. Further research in these areas can deepen our understanding of how to effectively enhance ICC in EFL education, address the challenges identified, and ultimately contribute to the promotion of intercultural understanding and sustainable development in our increasingly interconnected world.