Foreign language learning and the development of global competence in different cultures

Abstract

With the progress of globalization, global competence (GC) is becoming crucially important for the younger generation. Many researchers have suggested that foreign language learning might be conducive to GC. To confirm the universality of previous findings, we conducted two studies using a sample of 177440 (Study 1) and 122942 (Study 2) participants from 27 countries to explore the relationship between foreign language learning and GC in different cultures. In our Hierarchical Linear Models, foreign language acquisition and foreign language use both positively predicted GC at the individual level, but these effects cannot be enhanced by cultural individualism. However, people in individualistic cultures tend to have a higher mean GC score than those in collectivist cultures. Foreign language learning has the potential to cultivate GC. We propose that cultural knowledge should be integrated into foreign language curriculum to foster both linguistic and cultural competence.