Impact of Number of foreign languages learned and English reading time on Intercultural Sensitivity

學習外語數與英文閱讀時間對跨文化敏感度之影響

吳佳芬(Jia-Fen Wu)

《科學與人文研究》 3卷4期 (2016/03) Pp. 81-96

https://doi.org/10.6535/JSH2016033404

摘要

本研究旨在運用Chen和Starosta研發的ISS探討兩個影響跨文化敏感度的因素。研究對象是來自海南和台灣的大學生。研究結果發現每周花在閱讀英文的時間和交際自信、尊重與交際專注及跨文化敏感度有顯著正相關。雙因子多變量分析結果發現每周閱讀英文的時間長度顯著影響交際自信、尊重與交際專注及跨文化敏感度。事後比較檢定英文閱讀時間量最高者的跨文化敏感度顯著高於低和最低者，英文閱讀時間量中高者的跨文化敏感度顯著高於最低者。閱讀英文的時間愈長，跨文化敏感度愈高。閱讀英文可視為一種跨文化接觸且可提供英語為外語讀者糢擬跨文化經驗。再者，閱讀材料的真實性、讀者的動機和讀者對閱讀內容的反應都應該重視。因此，個人花在閱讀英文的時間可增加其交際自信和跨文化敏感度。

關鍵字

跨文化敏感度 ； 學習外語數 ； 每周閱讀英文時間

並列摘要

In this study, two factors affecting intercultural sensitivity were investigated, using an adaptive Intercultural sensitivity Scale by Chen and Starosta. Participants were university students from Hainan and southern Taiwan. Results showed that the time spent reading in English per week significantly correlated with Interaction Confidence, Respect and Attentiveness, and Intercultural Sensitivity. Results of two-way MANOVA indicated that only the time reading in English per week would have significantly impacted upon Interaction Confidence and Intercultural Sensitivity. A post hoc test returned results where the mean scores of the high level group were significantly higher than those of the lowest and low level groups; the mean scores of the inter-mediate level group were also significantly higher than those of the lowest level group. The more time spent reading in English, the the higher intercultural sensitivity is. Reading in English could be regarded as an intercultural encounter and provide EFL readers with vicarious intercultural experiences. Also, authenticity of materials, readers’ motivation, and readers’ responses toward readings should be taken into account. Thus, individuals spending a longer time reading would increase their interaction confidence and intercultural sensitivity.

並列關鍵字

Intercultural sensitivity ； Number of Foreign language learned ； Time of reading in English per week

參考文獻

Chen, G.M. and Starosta, W. J. (1996). Intercultural communication competence: a synthesis. Communication Yearbook, 19, 353-383.

Jiang, W.-Y. (2000).The relationship between culture and language. ELT Journal , 54(4), 328-334.

Gardner, R. C., & Lambert, W. E. (1972). Attitudes and motivation in second language learning. Rowley, MA: Newbury House.

Durocher, D. O. (2007). Teaching sensitivity to cultural difference in the first-year foreign language classroom. Foreign Language Annals, 40 (1), 143-160.

Penbek, S.,Yurdakul, D., and Cerit, A.G. (2009) Intercultural communication competence: A study about the intercultural sensitivity of university students based on their education and international experiences. European and Mediterranean Conference on Information Systems, Izmir, Turkey.