Analysing the factor structure of the plurilingual and pluricultural competence scale: dimensionality, reliability, and validity of the adapted Russian version

International Journal of Multilingualism. 2024. Vol. 22. No. 2. P. 669–692.

Belova S. S., Kharkhurin A. V.

This study aimed to adapt the Plurilingual and Pluricultural Competence scale (PPC) to the Russian-speaking population and to assess its psychometric properties. Five hundred and sixty-four undergraduate students from Western, Central, and Caucasian regions of Russia and Kazakhstan participated in the study. Internal consistency, factorial, construct, and criterion validity of the Russian version of the scale (PPCr) were examined. Unidimensional and several competing multidimensional models of the scale's structure were tested against data using confirmatory factor analysis. The final model included four first-order factors (plurilingual conversation, plurilingual cognition, intercultural tolerance, and intercultural skills) and two second-order factors (plurilingual competence and intercultural competence). The PPCr scale demonstrated good internal consistency and criterion validity. The PPCr total and plurilingual subscales scores significantly correlated with language repertoire and overall language proficiency self-assessments. Regional differences in the total PPCr score, plurilingual conversation, and intercultural tolerance scores were documented. These findings were discussed in the context of research and assessment of PPC in different socio-cultural environments. We recommended not contrasting unidimensional and multidimensional models of PPC but considering them two poles on the continuum. It suggests transitioning from a multidimensional to a unidimensional model when an individual acquires more plurilingual and pluricultural experience.

Keywords: undergraduate students, intercultural competence, plurilingualism, Russian speakers, Plurilingual and pluricultural competence