Improving intercultural communication in Chinese football clubs

Reconceptualizing meanings of cultural hybridization, glocalization, and expatriate football players’ cultural transition in China

Authors

  • Yanying Chen Ph.D Candidate, Faculty of Sports and Exercise Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 50088.
  • Nor Eeza Zainal Abidin Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Sports and Exercise Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 50088.
  • Mohd Salleh Aman Honorary Professor, Faculty of Sports and Exercise Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 50088.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/3k9pgj53

Keywords:

Intercultural communication, hybridization, glocalization, cultural transition, the rejection of cultural homogenization.

Abstract

The Chinese Football Reform and Development Program aims to increase the international competitiveness of men’s national teams through cultural communication with Western countries. However, difficulties in developing such communication have come to light. This study uses semistructured interviews with 20 participants to explore ways to improve intercultural communication and expatriate football players’ adaptation in China. The findings suggest that Chinese football clubs should provide instruction on Chinese language and culture, organize sports cultural exchange activities and psychological construction programs, and establish service systems for accompanying family members. This work challenges glocalization theory by highlighting the rejection of cultural homogenization and the uniqueness of local sports culture.

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Published

2025-04-02

How to Cite

Chen, Y., Nor Eeza Zainal Abidin, & Mohd Salleh Aman. (2025). Improving intercultural communication in Chinese football clubs: Reconceptualizing meanings of cultural hybridization, glocalization, and expatriate football players’ cultural transition in China. Journal of International Students, 15(4), 119-152. https://doi.org/10.32674/3k9pgj53