Comparing and Contrasting Intra- and Inter-Cultural Relations and Perceptions among Mainstream and Minority Students in Multicultural Classrooms in Higher Education

Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals

Y

15

Comparative Analysis; Intercultural Communication; Cultural Awareness; Multicultural Education; Minority Group Students; College Students; Global Approach; Foreign Countries; Peer Relationship; Student Attitudes

10.1080/14675986.2021.2016637

1467-5986

This study was set against the backdrop of a common worldwide phenomenon of internationalisation and multiculturality on campuses, the prevalence of cross-cultural communication in the epoch of globalisation, and a paucity of studies investigating both mainstream and minority students' intra- and cross-cultural interaction and attitudes. As the first step towards maximising students' benefits reaped from intercultural interaction, this article reports on the quantitative findings of intra- and inter-cultural relations as well as perceptions among both mainstream and minority tertiary-level students (n = 155) in Hong Kong. From the survey results, various within- and between-group comparisons were made. Significant findings include the substantial differences in how mainstream students relate and view themselves vis-à-vis the minority group, and the general greater open-mindedness and acceptance of the minority group compared with the mainstream group. This article culminates with implications for cultivating positive cross-cultural relations in international classrooms, which are especially pertinent for the mainstream students.

As Provided

2022

EJ1332047