the Summary of Intercultural Communication (9)

Culture Shock

What Is the Meaning of Acculturation

&&&&&
Acculturation is the process of modificating one’s attitudes, knowledge and behavior.

&&&&&
Q: What is Acculturation ?
A: It is a process through which a person or group from one culture comes to adopt practices and values of another culture, while still retaining their own distinct culture.

Acculturation is a two-way process.

Q: What outcomes dose the acculturation process can have ?
A: Assimilation, rejection, integration, marginalization, and transmutation.

Intercultural Adaptation-Learning Opportunity to Everyone

Adaptation and Learning

Intercultural adaptation is everywhere

Q: What is the important factor predicting adaptation to a new culture ?
A: The amount of participation in a new culture milieu.

Q: What is the heart of intercultural adaptation process ?
A: Communication.

Learn together - Learn from each other

Q: How a process does intercultural learning is ?
A: A dynamic, developmental, and on-going process.

Q: What does the culture shock model show about intercultural adaptation ?
A: A process starting with very positive feelings in the beginning, followed by a drop in satisfaction and ending with recovery.

In sharp contrast to culture shock models are the models that emphasise the learning and growth-facilitating nature of the adaptation process.
For example,

• the dialectical model explains intercultural adaptation as a cyclical and recursive process.
• the mutual learning model are based on cooperation and respect.

  • By this model, people follow the principles of curiosity, commitment and transparency.
  • The mutual learning process has consequences for both behavior and learning.
  • People start to behave without fear, interpersonal relationships become more facilitative, and people feel free to explore and search for new information and new alternatives.

Q: When does intercultural learning takes place most effectively ?
A: When people act in the real world.

Experiences != Learning

Levels of cross-cultural awareness (4)

Q: What is the leading factor in intercultural adaptation and understanding emphasized by this model ?
A: Intercultural contact.

Q: What are the four levels ?
A:

• First: A person is aware of superficial and very obvious cultural traits.
• Second: People become aware of significant and subtle cultural traits.
• Third: People are aware of significant and subtle cultural traits.
• Fourth: People become aware of how another culture feels from the standpoint of an insider.

The 4 Stages of Culture Shock

The Honeymoon Stage

During which travelers become infatuated with the language, people and food in their new surroundings.

The Frustration Stage

It is familiar to anyone who has lived abroad or who travels frequently.

Q: What are the features during the frustration stage ?
A: Bouts of depression or homesick and feelings of longing to go home.

The Adjustment Stage

The Acceptance Stage

Acceptance doesn't mean that new cultures or environments are completely understood, rather it signifies realization that complete understanding isn't necessary to function and thrive in the new surroundings.

Course Notes

&&&&&
Q: What is culture conflict ?
A: It is a type of conflict that occurs when different culture values and beliefs clash.

&&&&&
Q: What are the features of culture ?
A:

• multi-layered
• constantly in flux
• clastic
• largely below the surface

&&&&&
Q: The definition of acculturation.
A: It refers to the social and psychological integration of the learner with the target language group.

&&&&&

Culture Shock Stages

Stages	Descriptions
Honeymoon	overwhelmingly positive, greatest, exciting
Depression/frustration/hostility	fatigue, frustration
Adjustment	more familiar and recognizable
Acceptance	travelers have the familiarity and are able to draw together the resources they need to feel at ease

---

Next Lecture