Intercultural encounter in the form of 'vlogs': A case study of different nations

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the development of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' speaking skills and intercultural communication skills through three intercultural speaking tasks in the form of video blog recordings. EFL learners (N = 13) enrolled in the English preparatory class voluntarily participated in the study. The learners were clustered into six groups by drawing lots, and each group was given topics related to their course content, which required them to record a video blog at the end of each unit in a series of English course books. The study was designed as qualitative research. A structured written interview, classroom observation, and self-narratives were used to collect the data. Content analysis and thematic coding were utilized to analyze the obtained data from the research. The results revealed that intercultural speaking tasks are fruitful in lessening EFL learners' speaking anxiety and prejudice towards cultural differences. EFL learners developed empathy and tolerance towards cultural differences, deepening their cultural awareness in a positive way and accepting other cultures as they are while realizing their own cultural values and norms.