Diagnosing cross-cultural communicative ability in English as a second language to improve language learning and social integration (2010-2013)

Associate Professor Catherine Elder and Assoc. Professor Carsten Roever
ARC Discovery Project DP1094277

Cross-cultural communication skills are central for Australia's 130,000 new migrants and 450,000 international students from non-English speaking countries (2007 numbers), and lack of communication skills is a major stumbling block for these populations. This project was beneficial to both groups, as it allowed training providers to diagnose areas for improvement and implement appropriately targeted cross-cultural communication training. This facilitated students' and migrants' integration and their success in Australian academic and professional settings. The project significantly enhanced Australia's standing in cross-cultural communication research.