PAPER
CONFLICT AND ADAPTATION IN CROSS-CULTURAL STUDIES
Lecturer : Septa Aryanika, M.Pd
Arranged By Group 3 Class 6D :
Ayu Adella Saputri : 2111040138
Rima Rahmawati : 2111040088
Serli Sasmytha : 2111040096
ENGLISH EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM
FACULTY OF TARBIYAH AND TEACHER TRAINING
RADEN INTAN STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY OF LAMPUNG
2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COVER
TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................................................................................2
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 3
A. Background...................................................................................................................3
CHAPTER II DISCUCCION ...........................................................................................................4
A. Pre- Reading …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
B. The term “A Fish Out of Water ……………………………………………...5
CHAPTER III CONCLUSION ..........................................................................................................9
REFERENCE ....................................................................................................................................10
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background
Conflict and adaptation in cross-cultural studies is a rich area of research that delves into
the dynamics of interaction and adjustment between individuals or groups from different
cultural backgrounds. This field explores how cultural differences can lead to conflicts,
tensions, or misunderstandings, and how individuals or groups navigate these challenges to
adapt and find common ground.
One key aspect of conflict in cross-cultural studies is the clash of values, norms, and beliefs
between different cultures. These clashes can arise in various contexts, such as communication
styles, social etiquette, religious practices, or views on gender roles. For example, what may
be considered respectful behavior in one culture might be perceived as rude in another.
Moreover, conflicts may emerge due to differing perspectives on issues like power
dynamics, hierarchy, or individualism versus collectivism. These differences can lead to
misunderstandings, frustration, or even resentment between individuals or groups from
different cultural backgrounds.
However, conflict in cross-cultural interactions does not necessarily have to be negative. It
can also serve as a catalyst for adaptation and learning. Through conflict resolution strategies,
negotiation, and compromise, individuals and groups can work towards understanding and
reconciling their differences. This process of adaptation involves not only adjusting one's
behavior but also developing empathy, tolerance, and cultural competence.
Overall, conflict and adaptation in cross-cultural studies shed light on the challenges and
opportunities inherent in multicultural interactions, emphasizing the importance of cultural
sensitivity, communication skills, and intercultural competence in today's interconnected
world.
CHAPTER II
DISCUSSION
A. Pre – Reading
1. Is it possible that one's impression of a a place/region/city/country can change when
he/she has just lived in that place for a month and when he/she has been there for a
year? for a year? If yes, what are the underlying reasons? And if no, why is that?
▪ Yes, it is quite possible that one's impression of a place may change over time,
especially after living there for a longer period of time. There are several underlying
reasons for this:
a) First-hand experience: When someone stays in a place for a longer period of
time, they have the opportunity to interact more with the surrounding
environment, meet local people, and experience daily life. This can change their
perception of the place.
b) Adjustment: The longer a person stays in a place, the more they are able to
adjust to the local culture, climate, lifestyle, and social norms. This can affect
how they see the place.
c) Deeper understanding: Over time, one can gain a deeper understanding of the
history, traditions, and cultural values of the place, which can change their
outlook.
2. There is a term in English that when someone feels that they don't fit in a certain
place or culture, then they will be like a "fish out of water". culture, then they will
be like a "fish out of water". How does what do you think?
▪ The term "fish out of water" literally describes someone who feels uncomfortable or
unsuitable in a certain situation, such as being in a different environment or culture than
they are used to. This can be an apt description for someone who feels isolated or
unfamiliar with the culture they are in.
3. How important is it to know the culture of a country when you already know and
understand the language? Is there a link between understanding the culture and
understanding the language?
▪ Understanding the culture of a country is essential once you have learned and
understood its language. Culture shapes the context in which language is used,
including social norms, communication habits, cultural conventions, and the way the
local people think. Without an understanding of the culture, one may face difficulties
in interacting effectively with native speakers, even if they know the language well.
4. Do you think that in order to learn a country's language we do not need to know
about the culture of that country?
▪ No, I do not agree that in order to learn the language of a country we do not need to
know about the culture of that country. Culture and language are intertwined and
influence each other. To understand a language thoroughly, it is important to have a
good understanding of the culture that surrounds it. Culture shapes how language is
used, including the context of use, the meaning of words, as well as the norms in
conversation. So, to become proficient in language, an understanding of culture is also
very important.
B. The term “A Fish Out of Water”
Basically the term "a fish out of water" means to describe someone who is living in a new
culture (Levine & Adelman, 1993). This term is used to describe the ups and downs of a
person's experience when they are faced with situations and conditions that are completely new
and different from their culture. At the beginning, it is very likely that someone will feel very
interested in a new place and can't wait to get to know new people and learn new things.
However, the longer he was there, the more he realized that there were many cultural
differences that he had to face. It could be that the culture in a new place makes him
comfortable or, on the contrary, makes him feel frustrated and even depressed. This last thing
is what happens a lot. This kind of event can be described as being like riding a roller coaster
ride.
a) The Adjustment Process in a New Culture (Levine & Adelman (1993, 41)
In the initial process, namely the 'honeymoon period' stage, he will feel very interested in
new cultures and want to learn a lot and get to know lots of new people in new places.
Meanwhile, the next stage is the 'culture shock' stage,
He will begin to feel that he finds many cultural differences which will make him quite
surprised because it is usually the opposite of the culture in his place of origin.
Next is the 'initial adjustment' stage where he begins to feel able to adjust to the
differences and begins to be able to carry out daily routine activities such as shopping for basic
necessities smoothly. The next stage is the 'depression' stage where at this stage usually he will
feel a deep longing for his hometown and all its habits so that he feels alone in his new place.
And the final stage is the 'acceptance' stage where he has really mastered his new place. He has
understood the character of the people, their food, habits, things that are accepted and what are
not in his new place. In other words, this stage is the stage where a person feels that he has
found his position in his new place.
In several cases, most people leave their country to study or work in another country
until they leave their destination country to return to their country of origin. In the stages of the
process, the person experiences "cultural shock" when he first gets to know Australian culture
and he is described as experiencing "cultural shock" again when he has to return to his home
country. This is very possible because he has lived and settled in Australia for a long time so
he is starting to feel comfortable and adapt well to the culture of that country. For example, he
feels comfortable with the neat and orderly traffic situation in Australia so that when he returns
to his home country (let's say Indonesia), he will again feel "cultural shock" with the
complicated, congested and traffic conditions. completely irregular. In detail, the process is
depicted in the following figure:
b). The “W” Curve
Everyone basically has different abilities in adapting to new environments. Someone
may be able to adjust to a new environment in just a few weeks, but there are also people who
need months or even years.
What factors bridge a person's ability to adapt to a new culture?
➢ The first factor is motivation.
A question worth considering is: did the person leave their country/region of origin
because they had a choice? Or was the person forced to leave their country/region of
origin for political, economic, religious or work reasons?
➢ The second factor is regarding the duration of time.
How long does the person have to stay and settle in the new country/region? Does the
person really know their time limit until they can return to their country/region of
origin?
➢ The third factor is about language and cultural background.
What are the similarities between the language and culture of the new place and the
person's place of origin? Or are there actually many language and cultural differences?
➢ The fourth factor is about the person's personality.
How flexible and tolerant is this person? Is the person mentally ready for their new
place?
➢ The fifth factor is about the support of those closest to you.
How strong is the support of the person's family and closest friends?
➢ The sixth factor is regarding work.
Does a new job in a new place have higher 'prestige' and superiority compared to the
job in the original place? If the job in question has a lower status both in terms of
position and institutional level, the more pressure the person will feel.
➢ And the final factor is what is known as 'degree of ethnocentrism'.
Does the person think that the new culture in the new place is much 'inferior' compared
to the culture in the place of origin? In what capacity does the person interpret that
everything in their original place is something 'normal', while everything in the new
place is something 'strange'?
For Example, a very ethnocentric person who comes from Javanese and Sundanese
ethnicity is forced to move and settle in Madura for work reasons. It could be that he will feel
frustrated because he continues to think that his Sundanese blood is much more 'superior' when
compared to Madurese culture which is synonymous with tough, rude characters, and most of
them come from the lower middle class. He also considers that the development of cities in
Madura also tends to be very slow compared to cities in Java, especially in the West Java
region, where he was born and raised.
c). Degree of Ethnocentrism
It is important to know that to be able to learn a language, of course you are not only
required to learn about the grammar and linguistic aspects of that language but you also
inevitably have to study the culture where the language is widely used.
For example, if you want to learn French as one of the most popular languages in the
world, then you also have to know about French culture. Why? Because when you learn French
and find vocabulary that is difficult to translate into Indonesian or even impossible to find
equivalent words in Indonesian, then you have to find out the meaning of the vocabulary in
relation to the culture of the local community. For example, because France is one of the largest
wine producing countries where the people's culture is very closely related to wine, you will
find lots of words that mean 'wine' or wine.
One of the French customs is to bring a bottle of wine as a gift to the host when
attending a meal from a friend or relative. This is part of French culture that we do not find in
Indonesian culture.
CHAPTER III
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the study of conflict and adaptation in cross-cultural contexts offers
valuable insights into the complexities of human interaction across diverse cultural
backgrounds. Through examining clashes of values, norms, and beliefs, as well as differing
perspectives on issues such as power dynamics and individualism versus collectivism,
researchers in this field highlight the potential for misunderstandings and tensions to arise.
However, it is essential to recognize that conflict in cross-cultural interactions is not
necessarily negative. Instead, it can serve as a catalyst for growth, understanding, and
adaptation. By employing conflict resolution strategies, negotiation, and compromise,
individuals and groups can navigate cultural differences and forge meaningful connections.
Furthermore, the process of adaptation in cross-cultural settings involves not only
adjusting behaviors but also developing empathy, tolerance, and cultural competence. This
journey towards mutual understanding fosters appreciation for diversity and enhances
interpersonal relationships in increasingly interconnected global communities.
In light of these findings, it is evident that cultivating cultural sensitivity, effective
communication skills, and intercultural competence is essential for navigating the complexities
of cross-cultural interactions. By embracing diversity and actively seeking to understand and
respect cultural differences, individuals and societies can foster greater harmony, cooperation,
and mutual enrichment.
Overall, conflict and adaptation in cross-cultural studies underscore the importance of
promoting inclusivity, empathy, and cultural awareness in our increasingly diverse world,
ultimately contributing to the creation of more harmonious and interconnected global
communities.
REFERENCES
Rachmawati ,Iin, 2018. “ Dasar Dasar Teori Cross Cultiral Understanding” STKIP
PGRI Bangkalan press
