Building trust and reciprocity in foreign language learning
Effects on cultural adaptation and learning outcomes
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12738620 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Ji Sun (0000-0002-5848-4971, Zhejiang International Studies University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-24 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-20 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Multilingualism (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1479-0718 • E-ISSN: 1747-7530 |
| Publisher | Routledge (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/14790718.2026.2616432 |
| OpenAlex | W7139109023 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 50 |
Intercultural communication in foreign language learning has been widely studied. Yet, limited research has explored how reciprocity and trust interact to influence language Learning Outcomes (LO), Student Satisfaction (SS), Cultural Adaptation (CA), and communication anxiety in intercultural settings. To address this gap, this study investigated the role of Reciprocal Learning (RL) and trust development in learners’ experiences in cross-cultural language exchange programmes. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study analysed quantitative data from 532 foreign language learners to explore reciprocity, trust, and LO through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression. The study drew on qualitative data from 178 interviews in which the learners’ experiences were explored using thematic analysis. The results of the quantitative analysis demonstrated that RL contributed significantly to trust, which in turn supported Language Proficiency (LP), CA, and student satisfaction while also reducing Intercultural Communication Anxiety (ICA). Thematic analysis of the interviews complemented the quantitative findings by highlighting how collaborative, trust-based, and reciprocal exchanges contributed to learners’ confidence, CA, and willingness to engage with different cultures. To address this gap, this study, grounded in Social Exchange Theory (SET), investigated the role of RL and trust development in shaping learners’ experiences in cross-cultural language exchange programmes.
Acculturation · Adaptation (eye · Cultural learning · Foreign language · Language proficiency · Multilingualism · Perception · Reciprocity (cultural anthropology · EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning · International Student and Expatriate Challenges · Multilingual Education and Policy
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |