PAPER

Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adjustment

Subject : Intercultural Communication

Lecturer : Dian Shinta Sari, M.Pd

Writer by Group 2 :
Clara Yuniarti (321910039)
Endar Joko Wicaksono (321910052)
Jesy Cristianti (321910074)
Herlin Firman Putri (321910067)
Margarita Norianti (321910094)

Class : B Afternoon

English Education Study Program

LANGUAGE AND ART EDUCATION FACULTY

INSTITUTE OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
TEACHER ASSOCIATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
PONTIANAK
2022

i
 FOREWORD

Praise and gratitude we pray to the presence of God Almighty who has given His grace so
that the author can complete this paper entitled " Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adjustment”.

This paper provides an explanation Identify and Justify Ways to Cope with the Cross Cultural
Conflict in a New Culture, Explain the W- shaped Diagram of Adjustment Process in a New
Culture, Explain the Re- Entry Adjustment Process, Analyze Why Ethnocentrism is not
Recommended to be Developed.

The author realizes that there are shortcomings in this paper. Therefore, suggestions and
criticisms are always expected for the improvement of the author's work. The author also
hopes that this paper can provide more knowledge for all of us.

Pontianak,
Writers

ii
 TABLE OF CONTENT

COVER ..............................................................................................................................
FOREWORD.....................................................................................................................
CONTENT.........................................................................................................................
CHAPTER 1 PRELIMINARY.........................................................................................
A. Background .............................................................................................................
B. Purpose Of the Problem...........................................................................................
CHAPTER II DISCUSSION............................................................................................
A. Ways to Cope with the Cross Cultural Conflict in a New Culture
B. The W- shaped Diagram of Adjustment Process in a New Culture
C. Re- Entry Adjustment Process
D. Ethnocentrism
CHAPTER III CONCLUSION........................................................................................
REFERENCE.....................................................................................................................

iii
 BAB I
PRELIMINARY
A. Background
Intercultural communication is a discipline that studies communication across
cultures and different social groups, or how culture influences communication. It
describes the various processes and communication problems that naturally arise in
an organization or social context consisting of individuals from different religious,
social, ethnic and educational backgrounds. In this sense, it seeks to understand how
people from different countries and cultures act, communicate and perceive the
world around them. Intercultural communication focuses on recognizing and
respecting those with cultural differences. The goal is mutual adaptation between
two or more different cultures leading to biculturalism/multiculturalism rather than
complete assimilation. It promotes the development of cultural sensitivity and
enables empathic understanding across different cultures.
Intercultural communication is the idea of knowing how to communicate within
different parts of the world. By understanding the theories, people are able to
understand how certain norms are prevalent in adapting to new cultures.
Intercultural communication uses theories within groups of people to achieve a sense
of cultural diversity. This is in the hopes of people being able to learn new things
from different cultures. The theories used give people an enhanced perspective on
when it is appropriate to act in situations without disrespecting the people within
these cultures; it also enhances their perspective on achieving cultural diversity
through the ideas of intercultural communication.

Many people in intercultural business communication argue that culture determines

how individuals encode messages, what medium they choose for transmitting them,
and the way messages are interpreted. With regard to intercultural communication
proper, it studies situations where people from different cultural backgrounds
interact. Aside from language, intercultural communication focuses on social
attributes, thought patterns, and the cultures of different groups of people. It also
involves understanding the different cultures, languages and customs of people from
other countries.
Learning the tools to facilitate cross-cultural interaction is the subject of cultural
agility, a term presently used to design a complex set of competencies required to

4
 allow an individual or an organization to perform successfully in cross-cultural
situations.

Intercultural communication plays a role in social sciences such as anthropology,

cultural studies, linguistics, psychology, and communication studies. Intercultural
communication is also referred to as the base for international businesses. Several
cross-cultural service providers assist with the development of intercultural
communication skills. Research is a major part of the development of intercultural
communication skills. Intercultural communication is in a way the 'interaction with
speakers of other languages on equal terms and respecting their identities'.

Identity and culture are also studied within the discipline of communication to
analyze how globalization influences ways of thinking, beliefs, values, and identity
within and between cultural environments. Intercultural communication scholars
approach theory with a dynamic outlook and do not believe culture can be measured
nor that cultures share universal attributes. Scholars acknowledge that culture and
communication shift along with societal changes and theories should consider the
constant shifting and nuances of society.
The study of intercultural communication requires intercultural understanding.
Intercultural understanding is the ability to understand and value cultural
differences. Language is an example of an important cultural component that is
linked to intercultural understanding.
B. Purpose Of the Problem
a. Identify and Justify Ways to Cope with the Cross Cultural Conflict in a New
Culture
b. Explain the W- shaped Diagram of Adjustment Process in a New Culture
c. Explain the Re- Entry Adjustment Process
d. Analyze Why Ethnocentrism is not Recommended to be Developed

5
 BAB II
DISCUSSION

A. Ways to Cope with the Cross Cultural Conflict in a New Culture

Culture becomes an interesting thing and is widely discussed when a problem
occurs in an area, region, or even a country. People who have different cultures
when they meet and interact feel that cultural differences and the various
cultures that accompany them have an impact on the relationships that occur.
Whether we realize it or not, it must be recognized that culture has an important
role in relations between different ethnic groups, even though fellow ethnic
groups have different cultures (or "sub-cultures") in viewing reality.
Cross-cultural is a term that is often used to describe a situation when a culture
interacts with another culture and both of them give each other positive and
negative influences and impacts. As happens in every tourism activity, tourists
are sure to interact.
The importance of understanding across cultures is increasingly felt as a crucial
thing when it feels like the world is shrinking as if it knows no space,
boundaries, or time. The current era of globalization seems to remove barriers
such as distance, ethnicity, and even gender. There are many positive
relationships resulting from cross-cultural activities such as tourism, trade,
environment, politics, and defence and security. But on the other hand, there are
also many negative relationships due to cross-cultural interactions that end in
chaos, conflict, and even war.
That way, cross-cultural learning in a new culture can help you become more
aware of the importance of understanding differences, especially cultural
differences. Different cultures will produce different perspectives on the world
that will also be seen when we meet new cultures that we do not know, and that
is clearly shown in the language used and manifested in communication patterns
both verbally and non-verbally. So, when someone has different conclusions
about the same event, it is certain that the culture has a different background in
translating the event. So it is very natural that there are differences in
interpretation and differences of opinion, and in fact, the whole difference can be
understood as early as possible so that in the future it can minimize the
occurrence of misunderstandings that often lead to conflicts.
As an example, cross-cultural tourism Every tourist's departure to tourist
destinations outside their country of origin causes them to meet people from
different cultures, so that multiculturalism is ensured in tourism and creates
cross-cultural communication and understanding. Cross-culture occurs when
humans with their culture relate to other humans who come from different
cultures, interact, and even influence each other so that they will find new
cultures that they meet outside the culture they are used to seeing or feeling
around them.
Language is one of the factors that causes less effective interaction occurs in
intercultural communication. Lack of understanding of different languages can
cause misunderstandings and feelings of discomfort, and the consequences of
such misunderstandings we encounter many conflicts that occur as a result of
6
 ethnocentric feelings. One of the ways to minimize misunderstandings about
these cultural differences is to try to understand or at least know the language
and behaviour of other people's culture, so that we can know the principles of
intercultural communication and practice them in communication with other
people (Lubis, 2006).
The cultural pluralism that exists in Indonesian society, besides having a positive
side, as well has a negative side. The plurality of society is very potential for
conflict to occur as a result of cultural differences. To avoid this conflict is
necessary the existence of an intercultural interaction so that an understanding of
the culture is achieved different and in the end can create comfort and mutual
respect. According to Barna the effectiveness of intercultural communication is
highly dependent on external factors that influence it for example language, non-
verbal messages, prejudice, stereotypes, tendency to evaluate and high levels of
anxiety (Lubis, 2006:18). Porter and samovar also said that there is many
variables affect the effectiveness of intercultural communication, one of which is
attitude. Attitude is a psychological state that causes every human being to make
predisposition to appropriate action in the face of various social events or objects
in social environment (Raharjo, 2005:4).
Basically the effectiveness of intercultural interaction and communication is not
easy to achieve because presence of inhibiting factors such as stereotypes.
Stereotypes stem from a tendency to organize a number of the same or similar
phenomena that are owned by a group of people in a certain meaningful
category. Related stereotypes not only refer to negative images but also positive
images. In carrying out intercultural interactions there are several variables
determining the ongoing effectiveness of intercultural interaction. One such
variable is attitude (Soekanto, 2007). Attitude is a psychological state that causes
each Humans make predispositions for appropriate actions in dealing with
various social or social events objects in their environment. Attitudes not only
affect real behaviour, but also influence individual views, perceptions or
stereotypes of cultures that are different from the culture.
So when we look at this in a positive sense, there will be no conflict as long as
there is language or intercultural communication in a way that is good and
acceptable to each of these people. There are cultural differences because culture
is dynamic and always evolving, so various approaches are needed to be able to
understand culture, among them assimilation, integration, and cross-cultural
understanding. Cross-culturally creating values to determine what is appropriate
and what will be accepted by the new culture later In the end, cross-cultural
communication improves human communication; cross-cultural communication
can strengthen other human bonds and provide uniqueness to humans and
society. With various experiences and knowledge, mutual understanding and
complementarity through cross-cultural communication will create peace and
harmony of life.

B. The W- shaped Diagram of Adjustment Process in a New Culture

Your personal adjustment process will vary according to your background
knowledge of the host culture, the length of your program, the level of
immersion, and your own experiences
Most people who move between cultures (for study, work, tourism, or to take up
a new permanent residence) experience a period of adjustment as they establish

7
themselves in their new environment. The adjustment period may be
accompanied by dramatic manifestations of symptoms such as anxiety,
headaches, digestive problems, and sleep disorders, or may bring less severe
symptoms such as discomfort and a more volatile temperament.
Research shows that most people who sojourn outside their home culture
experience cultural adjustment in similar ways which, when charted, have come
to be known as The U Curve of Cultural Adaptation. It is called a "U Curve"
because people generally start at a high point, then experience a decline, or
depression, before a leveling off period, then go through a critical "recovery"
stage and end up more or less balanced, where they began.
The following "W" shaped diagram illustrates periods of adjustment in a
new culture and might apply to a one-year stay (approximately) in a foreign
culture. Although the stages in the cycle do not always occur in the same order
and some stages may be skipped, the following pattern is a common one:

Each stage in the process is characterized by "symptoms" or outward signs

typifying certain kinds of behavior:
1) Honeymoon period.
Initially many people are fascinated and excited by everything new. The
visitor is elated to be in a new culture.
2) Culture shock.
The individual is immersed in new problems: housing, transportation,
shopping, and language. Mental fatigue results from continuously
straining to comprehend the foreign language.
3) Initial adjustment.
Everyday activities such as housing and shopping are no longer major
problems. Although the visitor may not yet be fluent in the language spo-
ken, basic ideas and feelings in the second language can be expressed.
4) Mental isolation.
8
 Individuals have been away from their family and good friends for a long
period of time and may feel lonely. Many still feel they cannot express
themselves as well as they can in their native language. Frustration and
sometimes a loss of self-confidence result. Some individuals remain at
this stage.
5) Acceptance and integration.
A routine (e.g., work, business, orschool) has been established. The visi-
tor has accepted the habits, customs, foods, and characteristics of the
people in the new culture. The visitor feels comfortable with friends, as-
sociates, andthe language of the country.

C. The Re-entry Process

A similar process occurs when visitors return to their native coun- tries,
although the stages are usually shorter and less intense. The following "W"
shaped diagram illustrates reactions and emotions experienced when a
person leaves a foreign country and returns to his or her own 5 country.

The "Re-entry" Adjustment Process5

As in the first diagram, each stage in the "reentry" process is

characterized by symptoms and feelings.6
1. Acceptance and integration.
See description given for the pre ceding diagram.
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 one's own

9
 country, there is generally a great deal of excitement. There
are parties to welcome back the visitor and renewed
friendships to look forward to.
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 former traveler.
5. Re-integration.
The former traveler becomes fully involved with friends,
family, and activities and feels once again integrated in the
society. Many people at this stage realize the positive and
negative aspects of both countries and have a more
balanced perspective about their experiences.

Individual Reactions
Individuals experience the stages of adjustment and re-entry in
different ways. When visitors have close relatives in the new
culture or speak the foreign language fluently, they may not
experience all the effects of culture shock or mental isolation.
An exile or refugee would 5 adjust differently from someone
who voluntarily traveled to a new coun- try. Certain individuals
have difficulties adapting to a new environment and perhaps
never do; others seem to adjust well from the very beginning of
their stay. Day-to-day living in another culture is undoubtedly an
educational experience. While traveling, and living abroad
people learn second languages, observe different customs, and
encounter new values. Many people who have lived in other
countries feel that exposure to foreign 5 cultures enables them
to gain insight into their own society. When facing different
values, beliefs, and behavior, they develop a deeper under-
standing of themselves and of the society that helped to
shape their characters. The striking contrasts of a second culture
provide a mirror in which one's own culture is reflected.

D. Ethnocentrism
Ethnocentrism is judging other people's culture from the perspective of our own
culture. Certain groups are considered wrong by other different groups, because
they view the wrong group according to the measure of truth that exists in their
own culture. As a result, the action is socially punishing and gives a 'wrong label'
claim to other people's cultures. Ethnocentrism is not always wrong because there
is an awareness of respect and a positive attitude towards one's own culture. But
on the other hand, ethnocentrism can provide a negative assessment of other
people's cultures. The wrong conclusion from cultural ethnocentrism thus
preventing an individual from interacting with other individuals/groups of
different cultures.

1
According to Summer in Alo Liweri as quoted by Kohar12, in ethnocentrism,
humans are basically individualistic and self-serving which in turn gives birth to
an antagonistic culture. Any highly ethnocentric group often absolutes rules.
Rules, ethics, and culture are considered the most valuable. In line with that,
James W. Neulip in his book Intercultural Communication; A Contextual
Approach explains that ethnocentric understanding can eventually lead to certain
consequences for other people. On that basis, there are three aspects that are
closely related to ethnocentrism.
a) Every society has a number of characteristics of social life that can be
hypothesized as a syndrome.
b) Ethnocentrism syndromes are functionally related to the composition and
existence of groups as well as competition between groups, so that the
greater the ethnocentrism of a group, the greater the solidarity of the
group.
c) There is a generalization that all groups show the syndrome.

The actualization of the syndrome appears in the form of a safe intra-group (in-
group) and disdain for the outside group (out-group). This is what is called the
ethnocentrism continuum. From the Neulip concept as before, it can be
understood that cultural ethnocentrism originates from high royalty towards group
culture. He thinks that his culture contains good values, so he acts according to the
correctness of his culture and considers other cultures to be wrong. Cultural
loyalty (worthiness) grows strongly from education and social experience both in
direct contact and obtained from stereotypes passed down from generation to
generation.
From the explanation above, it can be concluded why ethnocentrism is not
recommended to be developed because it can cause bad impacts, namely:
1. Causing horizontal conflict.
Being proud of one's own culture and looking down on other cultures can
trigger conflict among fellow citizens. Especially if the understanding of
ethnocentrism is not only attached to an individual.
2. Inhibits integration
Ethnocentrism can hinder the growth of cultural integration. In fact, these
various cultures can complement each other so that no meaningful conflict
is created.
3. Reducing the objectivity of science
Ethnocentrism can reduce the development of science. Because, an
individual will prioritize the side of subjectivity compared to objectivity in
assessing something.

2
 BAB III

CLOSING
A. CONCLUSION

3
 REFERENCE

Aneas, Maria Assumpta; Sandín, María Paz (2009-01-28). "Intercultural and Cross-Cultural
Communication Research: Some Reflections about Culture and Qualitative
Methods". Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung / Forum: Qualitative Social Research. 

Liu, S., Volcic, Z., & Gallois, C. (2014). Introducing intercultural communication: Global cultures and
contexts. Sage.
Jandt, F. E. (Ed.). (2004). Intercultural communication: A global reader. Sage.
Hudiyanti, D., Raharjo, T. J., Narsito, N., & Noegrohati, S. (2015). Study on leakage of sesame
(Sesamum indicum L.) and coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) liposomes. Oriental Journal of
Chemistry, 31(1), 435.
https://study.com/learn/lesson/cultural-conflict-examples-theory.html
Oberg, K. (1960). Cultural shock: Adjustment to new cultural environments. Practical
anthropology, (4), 177-182.
Kagan, H., & Cohen, J. (1990). Cultural adjustment of international students. Psychological
Science, 1(2), 133-137.
Xu, Y. (2020). Introducing language and intercultural communication: by Jane Jackson,
London and New York, Routledge, 2020, 402 pp.,£ 32.99 (Paperback)/£ 110.00
(Hardback), ISBN 9781138481619 (Paperback)/ISBN 9781138482012 (Hardback).