The contribution of intercultural communicative competence to enhance learner’s oral performance. The case of First year LMD Students of English at Mohamed Khider University of Biskra

Abstract

Intercultural communicative competence plays a crucial role in fostering effective language learning and communication. Yet, Algerian EFL tertiary face difficulties in interacting orally with native speakers. This is due to the focus in promoting linguistic knowledge and neglecting the cultural side in EFL classes. The aim of this study is to investigate the contribution of intercultural communicative competence in enhancing the oral performance of first year students at Mohammed Khider Biskra University, with particular emphasis on the importance of cultural awareness in language learning. Therefore, we hypothesized that cultural awareness develop the learners’ ICC that will help them to enhance their oral competence. To test the validity of the hypothesis, a descriptive study is conducted with mixed methods approach to collect, analyse, and interpret data by administering questionnaires to both teachers and students. As a result, the study findings proved the significance of ICC in improving learners’ oral performance. In addition, it demonstrated that integrating ICC into language instruction positively affects students’ oral performance. Thus, those results confirmed the validity of the hypothesis. Eventually, some recommendations were suggested depending on the study outcomes, at the end of this research.