The Effect of Cultural Intervention on Iranian EFL Student’s Intercultural sensitivity and Language Achievement

Abstract

This research sought to shed light first on the effect of the cultural intervention of a movie on the intercultural sensitivity and language achievement of the EFL students in Iran. 40 female and male upper intermediate students studying at one of the Iran’s language institutes were selected through non-random sampling and assigned to control (n=20) and experimental (n=20) groups. To ensure the homogeneity of the participants in term of the level of L2 proficiency, the Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT), was conducted. After the administration of the Oxford quick Placement Test and Intercultural Sensitivity Scale only the experimental group participants underwent the intervention of the extracts of the movie 50 First Dates. The post tests showed that the treatment had a significant influence on the experimental group's intercultural sensitivity and language achievement. Furthermore, the results showed that while intercultural sensitivity scores improved in the experimental group, the effect was minor in the control group. In addition, the experimental group received considerably higher final English exam scores than the control group, implying that the intervention has positive impact on both the ISS and the English language performance of EFL learners who have participated in the research. Keywords: Intercultural sensitivity, EFL learners, English Language Achievement, 50 first dates.