Sitcoms in University Foreign Language Education for Intercultural Competence Development: Teacher and Student Perspectives
Abstract
The implementation of Intercultural Competence (IC) pedagogy remains challenging in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context. To address this gap, this qualitative case study investigates the pedagogical value of integrating a sitcom Fresh Off the Boat (FOTB) as a multimodal resource for developing IC in a Chinese university setting. From the perspective of intercultural competence, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with one experienced EFL instructor and two students. Thematic analysis revealed a consistent developmental trajectory in learners, marked by enhanced curiosity, reflective interpretation, and critical cultural awareness, aligning closely with Byram’s five IC dimensions. The findings demonstrate that FOTB is an effective IC resource when coupled with deliberate pedagogical scaffolding. The affective engagement and narrative realism of the sitcom foster a crucial shift from "learning about culture" to "learning through cultural engagement". Importantly, the study highlights the pivotal role of teacher mediation (e.g., guided dialogue) in transforming challenges like linguistic difficulties or emotional discomfort into opportunities for critical reflection. The study contributes robust evidence of multidimensional IC development and elucidates how intercultural meaning is co-constructed in the EFL classroom. Recommendations are provided for fostering a more reflective and ethically grounded intercultural learning ecology in Chinese university EFL contexts.
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