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Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 16. Number 2, June 2025 Pp.136-152
Language Institute
Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand
Language Institute
Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand
Due to globalization, Thai Business English students face challenges in cross-cultural communication, as traditional education often neglects the development of Intercultural Business Communicative Competence, and fails to address the specific needs of different stakeholders. Although some empirical studies have tried to address this issue, none has touched on incorporating IBCC with Content and Language Integrated Learning, especially in Thai EFL classrooms, which are crucial elements for learning language and culture. The current mixed-method study aims to address this gap by identifying essential IBCC contents for a Business English for Cross-Cultural Communication course and determining the CLIL principles needed to support its development. In this study, quantitative data was collected through questionnaires from three groups of stakeholders (84 students, 17 teachers, and 15 prospective employers) to assess key IBCC factors. For qualitative data, semi-structured interviews were used with selected participants to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the CLIL principles. The findings suggest that Cognitive Cultural Intelligence should be focused on the most of all the six IBCC factors, while Metacognitive Cultural Intelligence should be focused on the least. The findings also suggest integrating CLIL components, such as business case studies with cultural analysis, language skills for negotiating across cultures, embedded cultural norms in business simulations, and the enhancement of intercultural communication strategies. These findings provide essential knowledge about the particular language and cultural competencies needed by Thai undergraduate students to succeed in international business careers, which makes it valuable for developing CLIL-based Business English courses and curriculum for Thai EFL students.
Rumpanpetch, T., & Rimkeeratikul, S. (2025). Investigating IBCC Factors and CLIL Principles for Designing a Business English for Cross-Cultural Communication Course for Thai EFL Students. Arab World English Journal, 16(2):136-152
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Tirush Rumpanpetch holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the Faculty of Humanities, Srinakarinwirot University, and a Master of Arts in English for Careers from the Language Institute, Thammasat University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in English Language Teaching (International Program) at the Language Institute, Thammasat University.
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6932-3451
Sucharat Rimkeeratikul, Ph.D. is an associate professor at the Language Institute, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand. She has researched and published on ESP and communication apprehension.
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6788-8460