Acceso usuarios
Farhad Ghorbandordinejad
, Zahra Bayat
In the globalised world of the twenty-first century, the importance of plurilingual and pluricultural competence (PPC) in education has been increasingly recognised. This study investigated the self-perceived levels of PPC among English as a foreign language (EFL) students in Iran using a mixed methods design. Data were collected from 598 EFL students (grades 7-12) across five provinces, utilising a PPC scale and interviews with 25 students. Quantitative analysis revealed significant variations in self-perceived PPC levels, with students in Grade 12 reporting higher scores compared to those in lower grades, indicating greater awareness and development of their language and cultural competencies. The qualitative results identified four thematic dimensions of PPC: lived experiences, attitudes, contextual influences, and plurilingualism formation. These findings suggest that enhancing PPC is crucial for fostering intercultural understanding and communication skills among students, which are essential in today’s interconnected world. In a globalised context, where cultural exchange is prevalent, developing PPC can empower Iranian students to navigate diverse environments effectively. This study highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between language, culture, and identity in educational contexts and presents implications for language education policies and curriculum development aimed at promoting PPC among EFL students.
