Abstract

This study examines the nature of intercultural collaborative learning. The concept of intercultural collaborative learning involves two types of learning: intercultural learning and collaborative learning. Intercultural learning generally refers to understanding different cultures by subscribing to a philosophy of cultural relativism. Collaborative learning is characterized by cooperating creatively with others in an atmosphere fi lled with mutual esteem; effective communication; successful utilization of fellow students as resources; an equitable division of labor; divergent and daring thinking; a high degree of interaction; mutual trust, infl uence, acceptance and support; emotional involvement; and coordination of effort. In this study, cross-cultural training using roleplay is analyzed from the point of view of activity theory. Through this analysis, role-play is found to be a useful tool to promote intercultural collaborative learning in effective and creative ways. Intercultural collaborative learning may help to build a multicultural symbiotic community to foster creative and innovative activity in the global village.

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