The Application of CMIC in Cultivating Learners’ Cross-Cultural Communication Competence

Abstract:

With the fast development of computer and internet technology, how to apply computer and internet technology into intercultural teaching to improve learners' intercultural competence aroused great interest in foreign language researchers and teachers. This essay tries to analyze the effects of CMIC on the intercultural competence of learners through the CMIC teaching practice between two universities from China and US. Based on the analysis of the questionnaire, students' reflective logs, and interviews, this essay concludes that the application of CMIC in intercultural teaching has positive effects on the improvement of learners' intercultural competence and that CMIC should be more widely applied into intercultural teaching.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 610)
• Pages: 667-672
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.610.667
• Online since: August 2014
• Authors: Xiang Min Li*, Yuan Ge Wang
• Keywords: Computer Mediated Intercultural Communication, Intercultural Competence, Intercultural Sensitivity

References

[1] Zhang, Hongling, Computer-mediated Intercultural Communication and its application in foreign language teaching, Shangdong Journal of Foreign Language Teaching. 2 (2009) 38-43.

[2] Belisle, R., Email Activities in the ESL Writing Class, the Internet TESL Journal. 5 (1996) 74-77.

[3] Kinginger, C., Gourves-Hayward, A., & Simpson, V., A Tele-collaborative Course on French-American Intercultural Communication, The French Review. 72(1999) 853-866.

[4] Furstenberg, G., Levet, S., English, K., & Maillet, K., Giving a Virtual Voice to the Silent Language of Culture, Language Learning & Technology. 1 (2001) 55-102.

[5] Zhang, Hongling, Cross-cultural Writing Exchange Program (CCWEP): Its Rational and Application, Computer-mediated Foreign Language Teaching. 6 (2005) 9-28.

[6] Wang, Xiaofeng & Xiao, Xuhua, the Cultivation of Intercultural Communication Competence in Modern Multimedia Teaching Environment, Journal of Sichuan International Studies University. 6 (2006) 9-14.

[7] Liang, Lijuan, The Application of Internet-based Communication in Intercultural Communication Course, Journal of China Educational Technology. 12 (2010) 45-49.

[8] Meagher, M., & Castanos, F., Computer-mediated communication. Linguistic, social and cross-cultural perspectives, John Benjamins Publishing Company, Amsterdam, (1996).

[9] O'Dowd, R., Understanding the other side,: Intercultural Learning in a Spanish-English E-mail Exchange, Language Learning & Technology. 72(2003) 118-144.

[10] O'Dowd, R & Ritter, M., Understanding and working with Failed Communication, in telecollaborative exchanges, CALICO Journal. 23(2006) 623-642.

DOI: 10.1558/cj.v23i3.623-642

[11] Belz, J.A., Social dimensions of telecollaborative foreign language study. Language Learning & Technology, 6(2002) 60-81.

[12] Wen, Qiufang, Testing and Teaching of Spoken English, Shanghai Foreign Language Publishing House, Shanghai, (1999).

[13] Chen, G.M. & Starosta, W.J., the Development and Validation of the Intercultural Communication Sensitivity Scale, Human Communication, 3 (2000) 1-15.

[14] Zhao, Xuan, Intercultural Sensitivity: Rational, Measurements, and Application, Modern Education Science, 2(2011) 5-9.