Journal of Studies in Language, Culture and Society (JSLCS)
Volume 9, Numéro 1, Pages 318-337
2026-04-30

Investigating The Association Between Critical Thinking And (inter) Cultural Intelligence Among Algerian Efl Undergraduates



Authors : Elmechta Lamia . Guerniche Mariem .

Abstract

Critical thinking and cultural intelligence have become essential skills in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction that enable learners to function effectively in both academic and intercultural settings. Despite their theoretical overlap, limited research has been directed to the association between the constructs, mainly in EFL classrooms. This study aims to examine the level of critical thinking and cultural intelligence among Algerian EFL students. The work purports to measure the degree of interrelationship between these constructs. A quantitative correlational design was adopted, and data were collected from thirty undergraduate students at the department of English, university of Constantine 1 through the administration of three standardized instruments: a Critical Thinking Scale (CTS), a performance-based Critical Thinking Test (CTT), and the Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS). The findings of descriptive statistics revealed from moderate to high critical thinking and cultural intelligence capabilities. Pearson correlation results indicated significant positive relationship between critical thinking dispositions and cultural intelligence (r = .48, p < .05), and between cultural intelligence and critical thinking performance (r = .63, p < .001). Further findings showed that communication and metacognitive reflection were the strongest predictors of cultural intelligence, while behavioral cultural intelligence significantly predicted critical thinking performance. These findings highlight the significant role as well as the reciprocal effect of critical thinking and cultural intelligence in EFL instruction. The study, therefore, underscores the need for integrating instructional approaches that simultaneously foster critical thinking and intercultural intelligence in EFL curricula.

Keywords

critical thinking ; cultural intelligence ; EFL instruction ; correlation ; metacognitive reflection

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