Lahcen Ousiali – The Development of Moroccan EFL University Students’ Intercultural Communicative Competence: Unveiling Supportive Factors and Limiting Constraints
Defense Date: June 14th, 2025
Abstract:
Intercultural Communicative Competence has become indispensable for university students in today’s increasingly globalized world. Beyond mere language proficiency, ICC encompasses the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across cultural boundaries. This study is an empirical attempt to assess Moroccan EFL university students’ ICC and to systematically investigate the factors that facilitate and constrain its development.
The study employs an explanatory mixed-methods approach combined with a cross-sectional design, using two primary data collection tools: surveys and interviews. The sample comprises students and teachers from five Moroccan universities, with varying participation rates across groups. Specifically, 372 BA (S6) and MA students completed the GPI by Braskamp et al., (2013), while 353 License (S6) and Master students responded to the SVICCFS. Additionally, 63 university professors completed the TPICCFS and 11 participated in semi-structured interviews.
The results indicate that Moroccan university students possess a fairly average level of ICC. In this regard, various factors intervene to enhance ICC skills, such as language proficiency, exchange programs, cultural knowledge, the teacher’s professional character and roles, and pedagogical methodologies. However, factors such as evaluation methods, teacher preparedness, the authenticity of instructional materials, and large class sizes are viewed as limiting constraints. Moreover, the findings show a discrepancy in the perceptions of the two groups regarding the impact of three factors, namely the role of new-age technologies, cultural diversity in the classroom, and activities and tasks. The study summarizes a number of implications for students, educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers. It also proposes valuable recommendations to strengthen ICC among Moroccan EFL university students and to help them thrive in the national and global job market.
