ABSTRACT

Intercultural sensitivity is prerequisite for smooth intercultural communication.

In this paper, the author uses the form of interviews and a questionnaire to survey 158 English majors of Jiangsu University in intercultural sensitivity. Then, the author also analyzes the variable factors that affect intercultural sensitivity in order to provide reference measures for improving English majors’ intercultural communication competence. The survey finds that the overall level of intercultural sensitivity is in the upper middle above average. The results show that the mean of respect of cultural differences is relatively high, and it is followed in order by those of interaction engagement, interaction enjoyment, and interaction attentiveness. The mean of interaction confidence is lower than the other four. 

Key words: Intercultural sensitivity; English Majors; Variable factors

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One  INTRODUCTION-1

Chapter Two  LITERATURE REVIEW-3

2.1 Intercultural Sensitivity (ICS)-3

2.2 Assessment Tools of ICS-4

2.3 Previous Studies on ICS-6

Chapter Three  RESEARCH DESIGN-7

3.1 Research Subjects and Questions-7

3.2 Instrument & Methodology-7

3.3 Date Collection-8

Chapter Four  RESULTS AND DISCUSSION-9

4.1 Results from the Questionnaire-9

4.2 Results from the Interview-11

Chapter Five  IMPLICATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS-13

5.1 Improving Cultural Education-13

5.2 Enhancing Cultural Self-awareness-14

5.3 Avoiding a Few Tendencies-14

5.3.1 Avoiding ethnocentrism-14

5.3.2 Avoiding stereotype-15

Chapter Six  CONCLUSION-16

WORKS CITED-18