Manifestation of Cross-Cultural Values in the Oral Presentations of Japanese EFL Students

Abstract

This study examines the manifestation of cross-cultural values in oral presentations delivered in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes, with a focus on Japanese students enrolled at a private university in Bali, Indonesia. It investigates how these students, influenced by their unique cultural backgrounds, express various aspects of life and culture in EFL classes facilitated by an Indonesian lecturer. The research involved six Japanese university students who participated in a short summer course in Bali. During the course, the students studied English alongside Indonesian culture, particularly Balinese traditions, while their interactions and activities were observed. At the end of the program, they were assigned to compare Balinese and Japanese cultures and to present their observations on the cultural differences they identified. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study utilized the exploratory case study method to examine the students’ experiences. Data were triangulated through direct observation, content analysis, and in-depth interviews. Findings reveal that the Japanese students effectively identified and articulated cross-cultural values during their English oral presentations, aligning with the parameters of the assigned task. The use of visual aids, such as photographs, emerged as a notable strategy to enhance their confidence and clarity in describing cross-cultural elements. These results suggest that cross-cultural communication, as demonstrated in EFL oral presentations, not only fosters improved speaking skills among Japanese students but also enhances their confidence in communication.