Intercultural becoming in Japanese language learning
A qualitative pilot study of Chinese university students
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22164798 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Wujun Miao (Foshan University), Shuyu Zhang (0000-0002-2432-817X, Foshan University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 11 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-18 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2504-284X • E-ISSN: 2504-284X |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/feduc.2026.1813777 |
| OpenAlex | W7161546375 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 38 |
Introduction This qualitative pilot study investigates how Chinese university students learning Japanese begin to negotiate intercultural adaptation and develop intercultural communicative competence within a culturally proximal educational context. Methods Data were generated through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and reflective documents from three Japanese-major undergraduates at a public university in Guangdong Province. The study employed inductive thematic analysis to examine early processes of intercultural learning. Results Three interconnected themes emerged: motivational negotiation involving both cultural curiosity and pragmatic aspirations; emerging intercultural awareness expressed through sensitivity to communicative norms; and the mediating influence of pedagogical practices on opportunities for intercultural engagement. Discussion The findings suggest that intercultural development in this context is characterised by subtle, recursive processes of reflection and renegotiation, challenging linear models derived from Western-centric contexts. Methodologically, the pilot confirmed the coherence and utility of the multi-method qualitative design while informing refinements for the main study. The study offers preliminary insights into how intercultural competence begins to take shape and provides a foundation for subsequent larger-scale investigation in East Asian higher education contexts
Curiosity · Intercultural communication · Intercultural Competence · Intercultural learning · Intercultural relations · Negotiation · Qualitative research · Thematic analysis · EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning · International Student and Expatriate Challenges · Second Language Learning and Teaching
Becoming Intercultural
How to use and assess qualitative research methods
Conceptualizing Intercultural Competence
The role and interpretation of pilot studies in clinical research
Skype interviewing
Ethics in Qualitative Research
Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis
Implementing training in Portuguese for Speakers of Other Languages in Portugal
Docentes Noveles de Inglés en Shock
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Naturalistic inquiry
Identification and Assessment of Intercultural Competence as a Student Outcome of Internationalization
An array of qualitative data analysis tools
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |