Unlocking pragmatic competence: The influence of intercultural communication on Thai learners during the study abroad program

This mixed-methods study examines how intercultural communication influences social interaction and pragmatic competence in Thai learners of English during a 12-week study abroad program. Sixteen individuals with varied educational backgrounds were given a questionnaire, an assessment tool measuring pragmatic competence and a semi-structured interview. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics whereas the qualitative data were transcribed and coded to identify patterns. The findings demonstrated a significant enhancement in social interaction and pragmatic competence due to intercultural communication. The average scores increased from 40.83% to 68.75%. The results uncovered a complex relationship between the ability to interact effectively across cultures, active participation in social activities, and the development of pragmatic competence. The qualitative data highlighted that engaging in meaningful conversations with native and non-native English speakers enhanced L2 learners’ pragmatic competence. Additionally, the study found that intercultural communication, social contact, and pragmatic competence gradually improved throughout the study abroad period. This study showed that study abroad programs significantly improved learners’ pragmatic competence through immersive intercultural communication and social interactions. The results indicate that study abroad programs promote linguistic and cultural growth providing learners with crucial communication abilities that allow them to thrive in an interconnected world.