Résumé:
In the recent time and with the advancements of new technologies, it is unquestionable that
communication across cultures is becoming paramount for contemporary communities. In a
few words, intercultural awareness appears to be imperative for foreign language learners as it
is more likely for them to experience intercultural communication. In light of this, the main
concern of the current research is to probe into the scope and nature of the role that online
exchanges through Facebook play in enhancing Master Two students’ intercultural awareness.
On the grounds of this, it is hypothesized that if Master Two students of English at the
University of Mohammed Seddik Ben Yahia-Jijel use Facebook appropriately as a means for
the intercultural online exchange, then they will develop their intercultural awareness.
Therefore, to collect necessary data for the current study, two main research instruments were
adopted, a questionnaire and a test. They were both addressed to all Master Two students of
English (nearly 126) at the University of Mohammed Seddik Ben Yahia-Jijel; however, only
(53) of them responded to the questionnaire and (39) to the test. The results obtained reveal
that the informants under investigation, to certain extent, have the knowledge, skills, and
attitudes that allow them to operate adequately in intercultural communication situations, that
they hold the view that the online exchange via Facebook contributes to the promotion of their
intercultural awareness; consequently, they take advantage of using it to know more about
other cultures, develop empathy, and then avoiding misunderstandings, conflicts, prejudices,
and stereotypes. In a nutshell, it is safe to state that the research hypothesis on which the study
at hand is constructed was confirmed. On this account, it is recommended for teachers to give
more importance to the teaching of culture and interculturality as well as taking into
consideration the vital role of integrating technology in education.
