Teaching Intercultural Communication Competency Through Multimodal Language Teaching at Graduate Level: A Study in Pakistani Perspectives
Abstract
Intercultural communication is essential for advancing phenomenological learning shifts. There remains a gap in intercultural communication competency that can be filled with advanced teaching techniques. This research explores how teaching language in a multimodal manner can enhance language learners’ ability to communicate across cultures. Given the increasing emphasis on effective cross- cultural interaction, this study investigates how multimodal strategies (e. g., visual aids, body language, technology use, tone, gestures) facilitate learners’ abilities to perceive and engage with other cultures. This quantitative study examines the impact of varying communication mediums on learners' language acquisition and cultural competence. The study relies on a survey- based questionnaire consisting of ten research questions directed at M. Phil. and PhD English- holding teachers and students teaching and learning at different levels. Data was collected from 116 individuals through the questionnaire. The analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. The findings indicate that multimodal teaching aids students in better comprehending and retaining language content while enhancing their intercultural sensitivity. Students who received information through multiple processing methods reported increased confidence, expression, and respect for diversity. This study demonstrates that non- verbal communication and contextual cues play a fundamental role in developing language and cross- cultural understanding. However, it also highlights challenges such as teacher training and inadequate institutional support. To optimize these benefits, the study emphasizes the necessity for curriculum reforms, teacher training, and policy- level support for multimodal methods in language teaching to enhance intercultural competencies in a globally interconnected world. The paper contributes to the rich literature on language teaching and learning. It identifies areas for future research, such as cross- regional communication comparisons and emerging technologies for multimodal instruction.
Key Terms: Multimodal Teaching, Language Teaching, Intercultural Communication, Intercultural Communication Competency
