Cross Cultural Understanding Spring 2013

March 9th, 2014 Module 2 : Cultural Conflict and Cultural Adjustment Paramitha Mansoer

Universitas Terbuka
Korea Selatan

UNIT 1 : CULTURAL CONFLICT

Cross Cultural Problems

When I first arrived in Korea, I found several cultural differences, such as: 1. I have to bow to Professors or older people, while in Indonesia I dont have to 2. Korean people loves to eat pig and drink alcohol, while I am a Moslem and I couldnt 3. Korean people makes sound when they are eating, while in Indonesia I was told that a good manner is when you eat quietly

What could be the cause of cultural conflict?

1. 2. 3. 4. Communication and Culture Misinterpretation (salah pengertian) Ethnocentrism (sukuisme) Stereotypes and Prejudices (stereotip dan prasangka)

Communication and Culture

Inter-cultural communication is communication between members if different culture. The process of inter-cultural communication is complex because it involves different perception and interpretations. For people who do not have sharedexperiences such as language and culture communication problems can arise and become complicated

Misinterpretation
Please refer to italic texts on page 2.6 The negative situation between the woman and the man occur because there is misunderstanding about each others non verbal cues Some misunderstandings are not significant and can be easily ignored or remedied. However some can be more serious

Ethnocentrism
People tend to assume that what they believe is right because they grown up thinking their way is the best The ethnocentrism assumption can result in negative judgment about other cultures In one culture children live with their parents until they get married, while in other culture children leave home when they are 18 because independence and self-reliance are considered positive values

Stereotypes and Prejudices

Stereotypes is a preconceived beliefs about other people. Example: Orang padang pelit Negative stereotypes might lead to prejudice, suspicion, or hatred of other cultural groups. Stereotypical comments or remarks can be casually and unconsciously made in daily conversation and may have serious consequences Making personal relationship with individuals from different religions, cultures or races may be the best way to break down stereotypes and prejudices

Cultural conflict occur as a result of misinterpretations, ethnocentrism, stereotypes and prejudices. Preventing such situation is possible by developing intercultural sensitivity. Which means we recognize the cultural influences within our self and others

UNIT 2 : CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT

Culture Shock
1. Culture shock is a situation in which you find difficulty overcoming new problems in new cultures. 2. Culture shock happens to people who travelled abroad. Travelling to other country will force you to learn other cultures as well as your own cultures. 3. Language problem is not the only reasons for culture shock. When a person is losing everything that was once familiar, such as how to approach a stranger or how to start a conversation, he/she will find difficulties in dealing with new society.

The Adjustment Process in New Culture

Honeymoon Period Culture Shock Initial Adjustment Mental Isolation Acceptance and Integration

1. Honeymoon period The visitor is fascinated and exited by everything new 2. Culture Shock The visitor is confronted with new problems 3. Initial Adjustment Everyday activities are no longer major problems 4. Mental Isolation Feeling lonely for being away from families and friends for a long time 5. Acceptance and Integration The visitor has accepted the new culture

The Re-entry Process

Acceptance And Integration

Return Anxiety

Return Honeymoon Re-entry Shock Reintegration

1. Acceptance and Integration 2. Return Anxiety There may be confusion and emotional pain about leaving. 3. Return Honeymoon Immediately after arrival, there is great deal of excitement 4. Re-entry shock Family and friends might not understand or appreciate what traveler has experienced 5. Re-integration The former traveler becomes fully involved with friends, families and activities and fells home once again

Individual Reactions
Individuals experience the stage of adjustment and re-entry in different ways Many people who have lived in other countries feel that exposure to foreign culture enablers those to gain insight into own society and better appreciation of their own culture.