Intercultural Sensitivity, Perceived AI Usefulness, and Willingness to Communicate among Indonesian EFL Learners

Anita Kurnia; Yazid Basthomi; Utami Widiati; Bambang Yudi Cahyono; Tengku Intan Suzila Tengku Sharif

doi:10.21580/vjv16i133953

Authors

Anita Kurnia Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Central Java , Indonesia
Yazid Basthomi Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Central Java , Indonesia
Utami Widiati Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Central Java , Indonesia
Bambang Yudi Cahyono Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Central Java , Indonesia
Tengku Intan Suzila Tengku Sharif Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang, Bandar Pusat Jengka Pahang, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21580/vjv16i133953

Keywords:

Artificial intelligence usefulness, higher education, Indonesian EFL learners, intercultural sensitivity, willingness to communicate

Abstract

Willingness to communicate is a fundamental pillar of successful language acquisition; however, learners of English as a foreign language in developing countries such as Indonesia often have limited opportunities for real-world intercultural interaction, which can hinder their communicative readiness. As generative artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into language learning, it remains unclear whether its perceived usefulness genuinely fosters intercultural readiness. This study examined whether intercultural sensitivity mediates the relationship between perceived usefulness of artificial intelligence and willingness to communicate in this population. Data were collected from 113 university students through a cross-sectional survey and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results showed that intercultural sensitivity was the strongest predictor of willingness to communicate. In contrast, perceived artificial intelligence usefulness had only a minor direct influence. It did not significantly predict intercultural sensitivity, indicating that the hypothesized mediation was not supported. Perceived artificial intelligence usefulness and intercultural sensitivity appear to function as separate, rather than sequential, contributors to willingness to communicate. These findings suggest that language programs should pair artificial intelligence with structured intercultural learning opportunities rather than treat it as a standalone solution. Future research should test alternative mediators and longitudinal designs to clarify the causal pathways involved.

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