‘What you mean versus what you say’ – exploring the role of language and culture in European students’ interpretation of feedback

Abstract Conceptualising feedback as dialogue places even greater importance on successful interpretation of the message as a crucial step leading to the uptake of feedback. This interpretation is not always straightforward as it takes place through a cultural and linguistic lens that international students bring to feedback conversations. This research explored the role that sociocultural competence plays in students’ uptake of feedback, unpacking the broader role of language and culture in feedback. Interviews with 13 European science, technology, engineering and medicine (STEM) students uncover the variety of experiences and conceptualisations that influence their interpretation of feedback messages. At a theoretical level, the findings call for a greater consideration of the cultural dimension in feedback literacy discourse; at a practical level they call for a greater consideration for developing sociocultural competence for students transitioning to new cultural contexts.