CULTURAL MISUNDERSTANDINGS IN THE GLOBAL WORKPLACE: EFL LEARNERS’ PERSPECTIVES AND SOLUTIONS FROM AN INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION COURSE

Authors

  • Thai Cong Dan Dr., Senior Lecturer, School of Foreign Languages, Can Tho University, Can Tho City, Vietnam
  • Thai Phan Bao Han English Lecturer, Faculty of Social Sciences, Can Tho University of Technology, Can Tho City, Vietnam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejae.v10i1.5992

Keywords:

intercultural communication, cultural misunderstandings, EFL learners, online second-degree students, Can Tho University, workplace communication, practical solutions

Abstract

This study investigated cultural misunderstandings experienced by 55 English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners after completing an online intercultural communication (ICC) course. These learners were online second-degree English students enrolled in an English Studies program at Can Tho University, Vietnam. They analyzed eight case studies of cultural misunderstandings adapted from Pham, T. H. N. (2011). Communicating with Vietnamese in Intercultural Contexts: Insights into Vietnamese Values, and proposed practical solutions based on their personal experiences and course content. The study aimed to (1) identify common cultural misunderstandings, (2) examine the solutions suggested by the learners, and (3) evaluate their perceptions of each solution’s effectiveness. Thematic analysis revealed recurring issues related to power distance, indirect communication styles, and hierarchical workplace structures. Follow-up interviews with five participants provided deeper insight into the perceived impact and practicality of their solutions, which included intercultural training, open dialogue initiatives, and mentorship programs. These findings highlighted the challenges EFL learners faced in intercultural settings and offered practical recommendations for improving communication in diverse professional environments.

Author Biographies

  • Thai Cong Dan, Dr., Senior Lecturer, School of Foreign Languages, Can Tho University, Can Tho City, Vietnam

    Dr. Thai Cong Dan is a Senior Lecturer of English at the School of Foreign Languages, Can Tho University (CTU), Vietnam. He obtained his Ph.D. in Educational Administration (English Program) from Naresuan University, Thailand, in 2010, and his M.A. in Cultural Aspects and Literature from the University of Notre Dame du Lac, Indiana, USA, in 1999. Dr. Dan’s academic and research interests span a wide range of areas, including TEFL/TESOL, intercultural communication, English language education at both secondary and tertiary levels, foreign literature, and English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in fields such as Political Education, Tourism, Hospitality, Journalism, Environmental Studies, and Sociology. He is particularly engaged in curriculum design, language assessment, professional development, educational program management, and educational administration. In addition, Dr. Dan is recognized for his expertise in the field of tourism education. He can be contacted via email at tcdan@ctu.edu.vn, and his ORCID is https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9566-8128.

  • Thai Phan Bao Han, English Lecturer, Faculty of Social Sciences, Can Tho University of Technology, Can Tho City, Vietnam

    Miss Thai Phan Bao Han is currently an English lecturer at Can Tho University of Technology (CTUT), Vietnam. She obtained her Master’s degree in TESOL from Can Tho University in 2022. Her research interests span a wide range of topics, including TEFL/TESOL pedagogy across educational levels, applied linguistics, English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in technology and engineering contexts, intercultural communication (ICC), language assessment design, and teacher professional development. She can be reached via email at: tpbhan@ctuet.edu.vn.

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Published

2025-04-28

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Articles

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