Navigating cultural crossroads in multilingual Malaysia: Motivation, support, and intercultural communicative competence

This research examined the relationships between motivation, support, and intercultural communicative competence (ICC) among students involved in a university project in Malaysia, called Crossroads of Culture. We evaluated the impact on ICC of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation types, and of autonomy, competence, and relatedness support. Data collected via a questionnaire from a diverse group of 273 participants were processed using descriptive and correlation analysis. The findings underscore that in Malaysia’s multilingual society, students participating in intercultural communicative activities had higher intrinsic than extrinsic motivation. Furthermore, extrinsic motivators, such as the desire to improve language skills, obtain credits or certificates, or achieve career benefits, did not exhibit a significant correlation with ICC. Additionally, the availability of mentor support and the establishment of meaningful relationships among participants were identified as pivotal elements in molding their levels of satisfaction, which profoundly impacted their ICC. Implications of the findings are discussed.