Discourse in virtual cross-cultural communication: a dialogue of cultures or a clash of mentalities? (A case study research in EFL education in Russia)

This paper presents a case study research based on the experience of Moscow State University of using cross-cultural telecommunication projects as a "testing ground" for developing students' cross-cultural communicative competence. This competence was assessed in terms of success / failure of cross-cultural interaction. The transcripts of forums and chats have been analyzed as well as the results of the survey of students-participants, aimed at getting their opinion about the project ("student satisfaction" factor)