Goal of the Author
The scientific objectives of the study are the provision of genuine, exciting, and motivational experiences and resources, the use of cross-cultural communication experiences, and the opportunity to reflect, compare, open, and accept other cultures. The purpose of the study was to learn the experience of participants in improving cross-cultural competencies through the design of classrooms using social technology. The author suggests that the role of media is crucial in language learning and communicating.
Core Arguments
There are several arguments used in the article to support the core idea and thesis statement. First, intercultural competence today is a practical prerequisite for learning a language, as the disparities caused by geography and space have been minimized, and the amount of human interaction between cultures has increased significantly. Next, most academic research uses technology to improve linguistic skills, which are speaking, vocabulary, reading, listening, and writing, rather than to improve cultural knowledge. Culture is usually a secondary goal rather than a primary goal. As a result, according to the conclusions of the authors, cross-cultural knowledge is underestimated in the traditional EFL (English as Foreign Language) curriculum. Consequently, scientific research on cross-cultural competencies is less extensive than research on language skills.
The educational and research design of the work was based on two main theoretical frameworks. They are the Hanbay’s level of cultural understanding and the Scarino and Liddiocoat’s idea of language in terms of social practice. There are five fundamental principles of language learning: making connections, reflection, responsibility, social interaction, and active construction. These five points of the framework are related to intercultural understanding as basic elements need to be developed.
Social technology, likewise information technology, could effectively contribute to the development of language learning in regard to intercultural instruction. The role of technology-mediated communication is highly important for teaching a foreign language. Social networking could foster social connectedness feelings, which could positively impact language learning outcomes. Social media gives an opportunity for diverse groups of people to connect and promote understanding since people are used to the features and interface of the social media platforms. Such social media platforms as LINE and Facebook are able to fulfill functions, standards, and capabilities that are required to be implemented in EFL instruction online platforms. According to the results of the article, by using social media platforms for communicating cross-culturally, participants have improved intercultural competence and language learning.
Larger Picture of Language and Media
This study contributes to the larger picture of language and media research since it indicates the role of social media in language learning and language knowledge acquiring. The study focuses on the usage of social media for improving intercultural competence. Intercultural competence is crucial in language learning and communicating. In order to communicate effectively, it is essential to consider cultural differences when using a foreign language. The study explored how social technology design, students’ attitudes, instructional design, and experiences affected cultural understanding. The article represents intercultural competence and language learning model through cross-cultural interaction. The cross-cultural interaction is multicultural, technology-oriented, interactive, and task-based. The factors mentioned above contribute to the motivation, ability, and confidence of the student. The study demonstrates that the role of media is important for language learning since it gives students the opportunity to maintain higher motivation and abilities.
Reflection on the Article
I think that the information provided in the article is topical and accurate. I agree with the statements of the author regarding the significance of cross-cultural knowledge when learning the language. I support the main idea of the article that emphasizes the role of social media in the language learning process. In my opinion, media gives students the opportunity to explore more different cultures in an accessible way. It makes education easier and more interesting; this helps to maintain higher involvement and motivation of the language learner.
The results of the study demonstrate that referring to social media has improved the language learning outcomes and the level of intercultural competence. I think this data proves the connection between intercultural communication competence and language. Today, in the time of globalization, having a high level of cultural competence is crucial for effective communication and using foreign languages. The article shows that media could significantly benefit language usage, which I consider fair because media and language are interconnected and could benefit each other in many ways.
Intercultural competence in language is important for media because the language used in media should be highly tolerant and precise in terms of cultural differences. Since media is globalized, the language choice should correspond to the international standards and norms. On the other hand, media is important for language since it helps to gain more knowledge regarding different aspects of the target language and culture.
The emphasis made on social media technology is also highly relevant to the current situation of media digitalization. It is true that technology makes language learning processes more efficient and interactive, which contributes to more effective education and practical language use.
References
Wu, P. H. N., & Marek, M. W. (2018). Developing intercultural competence via social media engagement in a language learning framework.Journal of Intercultural Communication, 46. Web.