<![CDATA[Reading comprehension requires linguistic proficiency and the capacity to understand and interpret cultural elements embedded in the texts. However, many EFL students struggle with cross-cultural competence, affecting their comprehension of diverse reading materials. This study investigates the effectiveness of digital shared reading in enhancing both reading comprehension and cross-cultural competence among junior high school students in Indonesia. Employing a pre-experimental pre-test post-test design, the study involved 34 students in a structured digital shared reading intervention. Data were collected through reading comprehension tests and the Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQ) by Ang and Dyne. The results, analyzed using paired sample t-tests, indicated a statistically significant improvement in reading comprehension (t = -10.539, p = .000) and cross-cultural competence (t = -14.457, p = .000) after the intervention. These findings demonstrate the potential of digital shared reading as an effective pedagogical tool to foster cross-cultural awareness and enhance reading comprehension in EFL settings. This study contributes to educational research by showcasing how digital literacy and cultural exposure can be integrated into language learning.]]>
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