Navigating EFL Speaking Success: Fluency and Accuracy through Interactional and Intercultural Competence

In today’s interconnected world, mastering a foreign language extends beyond linguistic mastery; it requires the ability to navigate both interactional dynamics and cultural diversity. This study investigated the comparative effects of fostering Interactional Competence (IAC) and Intercultural Competence (ICC) on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ speaking accuracy and fluency. Sixty Iranian intermediate EFL learners, aged ۱۶–۳۰ years (Mage = ۲۳), and comprising both female and male participants, were selected based on their Preliminary English Test (PET) scores and randomly assigned to two experimental groups: one focusing on Interactional Competence (IAC) and the other on Intercultural Competence (ICC). Over five treatment sessions, the IAC group engaged in conversational activities emphasizing turn-taking, topic management, and negotiation strategies, while the ICC group explored cultural norms, pragmatic variations, and contextual adaptation in communication. Pretest and posttest evaluations measured speaking accuracy and fluency, with data analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests. The findings revealed that both groups exhibited significant improvements; however, the IAC group demonstrated greater enhancements in fluency and conversational management, whereas the ICC group outperformed the IAC group in culturally nuanced communication and pragmatic awareness. These results underscore the complementary roles of IAC and ICC in enhancing EFL speaking performance. The study concludes that integrating these competencies into language curricula fosters holistic communication skills. Pedagogical implications highlight the necessity for EFL educators to adopt an integrated approach, balancing cultural awareness with interactional strategies to prepare learners for authentic global communication.

کلیدواژه ها:

Interactional Competence ، Intercultural Competence ، speaking accuracy ، speaking fluency