Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adjustment

Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adjustment
Cultural conflict develops if a person does not prefer to experience the uniqueness of many
different things about cultures. However, one has to adjust to a new culture regardless of
whether he or she likes or dislikes the new culture.
Studying English in the English-speaking environment is challenging. Cultural differences

sometimes resulted in frustration, for we could not express our thought clearly. Because of
the differences in the emotional and the behavioral patterns of each of our culture, there was
often a lack of understanding: what we did it were not clear. Take one example of cultural
conflict that happend to me. The Canadians always say Good Night to every time they will go
to bed. One night I had fallen asleep in my bed in my own room when the children of the
family knoked at my door many times to say good night to me. However, I remaind unawake
because I felt very sleepy. In the morning, at breakfast time the family asked me whether I
was all right. They thought that I was ill because I did not wake up when the children knoked
at my door. I could not say anything when the family asked me that question. This lack of
understanding sometimes led to misunderstanding. On the other hand, there were advantages.
Have you ever visited another country or place? When you visit another country you will
probably know very little about the tradition, the culture, the customs, and even the language.
You will find some differences or maybe some similarities of many things that you have in
your own country and that of in the new country or place.
Communication and culture
‘Inter-cultural communication’ is communication between members of different culture.
Cultures do not communicate; however, individuals do. Everyone has his/her own style of
communication, but cultures determine a general style for their members. problem and
misinterpretation do not always occur every time members from two cultures communicate.
However, when the cultural conflicts do occur, these conflicts may be considered as personal
rather than culrutal.
Ethnocentrism
This ethnocentric assumption or conviction can result in negative judgment about other
cultures. People can also become critical of individuals from different culteres.
Concerning relationships between children and parents, people from different cultures may
have some misunderstandings. In one culture children live with their parents until they get
married because dependence on parents is considered positive. In another culture children
leave home when they are eighteen because independence and self-reliance are considered
positive values.
Stereotypes and Prejudice
sometimes negative reactions are not caused by actual interaction but by some fixed,
preconceived beliefs we have about other people. These over generalized beliefs or
'stereotypes' quite often shape people's perceptions of each other. For example, we often hear
a statement : " Orang Padang pelit. " This statement becomes a stereotype and we perceive
that every individual from this racial is stingy or economical although there are so many
Padangese who are generous or precious.
The Adjustment Process in a New Culture
Individuals experience the stages of adjustment in different ways. Some people never
experience a "honeymoon" period because the circumstances of their coming to a new
country may have been too painful. In addition, certain stages last longer for some than for
others, depending on such factors as the newcomer's personality, age, language and cultural
competence, support from family and friends, financial situation, job status, and motivation
for being in the new country
Can a person accelerate or skip some of the more difficult stages of adjustment? Some people
can, yet others cannot. This depends on individuals' ability to "cope with changes in their life.
Change is easier for some people than for others. Whenever people happen to be
experiencing a negative stage of adjustment, they must be extremely patient and let time do
its work.
How do people know that they are having problems adjusting to the new culture? Typical
"symptoms" include the following:
1. Homesickness
2. Inability to work well
3. Too much eating, drinking, or sleeping
4. Anger toward the members of the new culture
5. 'Glorifying the native culture and emphasizing the negative in the new
culture
6. Withdrawal and avoidance of contact with people from the new culture
7. Lack of ability to deal with even small problems.
To a certain extent, all of these reactions are normal, and, in a healthy adjustment, should be
relatively short-term. When these responses last a long time or become exaggerated, the
person may find it difficult to function on a daily basis. The above list is not complete. The
reader can probably think of more "symptoms."
One of the most important things a newcomer can do to facilitate adjustment is to try to
develop social relationships with people from one's own country, with other newcomers, and
with members of the new culture. It is essential to try to develop a group of people with
whom one can share new experiences. This is perhaps one of the fastest ways to begin to feel
more at ease in another country.
Sometimes newcomers are eager to integrate and choose to give up their own culture. (Some
people refer to this as "going native.") Others are fearful of cultural change and cling even
more strongly to their own cultural traditions. Both giving up one's own culture and clinging
to one's traditions may be extreme behavior. Studies on cross-cultural adjustment suggest that
maintaining a balance between two cultural patterns of behavior and beliefs can be helpful in
the long term.
If newcomers try to become aware of cultural differences and make some modifications

without attempting to change their basic personality, they will probably adjust fairly well to
the new society. Especially in the United States, where there is already so much diversity, the
newcomer doesn't need to become a “carbon copy” of an American in order to be a part of
the society. Newcomers can retain their individuality while becoming aware of differences.
And, of course, some changes will have to be made. Feeling like a "fish out of water"
shouldn't last
forever.
Cultural Re-entry Adjustment
A cultural readjustment process occurs when visitors return to their native countries, although
the stages are usually shorter and less intense than those of adjustment to a new culture. The
following W-shaped diagram illustrates reactions and emotions experienced when people
leave a foreign country and return to their own.
As in the diagram of the adjustment process in a new culture (see p. 2), each stage in the
reentry process is characterized by certain symptoms and feelings:
1. Acceptance and integration: A routine has been established in the new culture. The
foreigner has accepted and is comfortable with cultural differences.
2. Return anxiety: There may be confusion and emotional pain about leaving because
friendships will have to be disrupted. Many people realize how much they have changed
because of their experiences and may be nervous about going home.
3. Return honeymoon: Immediately upon arrival in the person's home country, there is
generally a great deal of excitement. There are parties to welcome back the visitor, and
friendships are renewed.
4. Re-entry shock: Family and friends may not understand or appreciate what the traveler has
experienced. The native country or city may have changed in the eyes of the traveler.
5. Re-integration: The former traveler becomes fully involved with friends, family, and
activities, and once again feels integrated in the society. At this stage many people realize the
positive and negative aspects of both countries, and have a more balanced perspective about
their experiences.
The “Re-entry Adjustment Process”(p.2)

Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adjustment

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Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adjustment

Studying English in the English-speaking environment is challenging. Cultural differences

Communication and culture

‘Inter-cultural communication’ is communication between members of different culture.

Stereotypes and Prejudice

If newcomers try to become aware of cultural differences and make some modifications

Cultural Re-entry Adjustment

The “Re-entry Adjustment Process”(p.2)

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