Work

The role of psycho-emotional characteristics in intercultural communication for effective foreign language education

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Effective intercultural communication in foreign language education depends on more than linguistic competence. A persistent problem is that teaching and assessment practices give limited attention to learners' and teachers' psycho-emotional characteristics, which constrains the development of intercultural communicative competence. This review synthesizes evidence on how emotional intelligence, motivation, self-efficacy, anxiety and related affective variables shape intercultural communication and learning processes in foreign language settings. A PRISMA methodology was followed for this review study. Across studies, three consistent effects were found: teacher emotion regulation is linked to safer climates and higher engagement; learner enjoyment, hope, and self-efficacy support participation and intercultural openness; and culture-specific norms of emotional expression shape message interpretation and miscommunication risk. Implications: courses should integrate explicit emotion-focused pedagogy, routine reflection on emotional experiences, and assessment of intercultural affective dispositions alongside language outcomes. Institutional policies should support teacher training in emotion regulation and the use of validated tools for intercultural and affective competence. • This review explores how emotional and psychological factors, such as emotional intelligence, motivation, and self-efficacy, influence intercultural communication and foreign language learning. • It highlights the importance of understanding these psycho-emotional traits to enhance intercultural competence and effective communication.

Source: Acta Psychologica

DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105906

Authors: Blanka Klímová, Marcel Pikhart, Liqaa Habeb Al-Obaydi

Institutions: University of Hradec Králové, University of Diyala

Language: English

Topic: EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning

Subfield: Language and Linguistics

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,670