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Responsibilities of Outsiders Visiting Another Country

Sydney Bridges

Emmanuel College

CM360-51: Intercultural Communication

Dr. Terilyn Goins

November 24, 2020

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Responsibilities of Outsiders Visiting Another Country

Whether one is visiting another country for relaxation or for a specific purpose such as

work or education, it is imperative that they adhere to the responsibilities that they have as

visitors. An Introduction to Intercultural Communication defines these responsibilities as

intercultural communication competence (Jandt, 2018, p. 90). When we travel or study abroad, it

can be easy for us to forget that we are not in our own country or culture. There are four areas

that we can all improve upon when considering traveling to another country: personality

strength, communication skills, psychological adjustment, and cultural awareness. Enhancing

these skill areas can ensure that we exemplify intercultural communication effectiveness.

Personality Strength

Personality strength refers to one’s ability to control themselves and their behaviors in a

social setting. It implies that one is self-aware of their outward expressions, giving their full

attention to what is being said to them, and having the ability to refrain from using rude or

inappropriate facial expressions and actions. A major part of personality strength is social

relaxation, which is defined as “the ability to reveal little anxiety in communication” (p. 92). For

example, I visited the Dominican Republic when I was a freshman in high school, and the

primary language spoken there is Spanish. I barely knew any Spanish at all which lead to me

being anxious in situations where the people I was interacting with did know speak English. I did

not demonstrate social relaxation because it was extremely obvious that I was nervous or anxious

in those situations.

Communication Skills

The second personality strength that allows one to be an effective communicator is

overall communication skills. How can I effectively communicate with someone if we do not
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speak the same language? This is a question that often comes up because a difference in

language is typically one of the main barriers in communication. However, there are nonverbal

behaviors and clues to look for when communicating with someone who may not speak the same

language. For example, the signs for hunger or thirst are known all around the world. Simple

signs like that can go a long way in a conversation. Another communication skill that is

necessary to communicate effectively is being attentive to the other person in the conversation.

Not showing interest to what they are saying is a major drawback when trying to have a

successful conversation and can damage a relationship with that person very quickly. A

competent communicator must be able to show empathy towards whoever they are

communicating with to connect with that person on an emotional level. Being empathetic can lift

someone up if they are down or it can offer support to them in a difficult situation.

Psychological Adjustment

Going to a different country or culture often results in culture shock. Culture shock can

be described as “the feelings of disorientation and anxiety that many people experience for a

time while living in a foreign country” (p. 314). There are five stages to culture shock that

sojourners and tourists often experience: excitement, frustration with differences, adaptation to

the new culture, comfortability with the new adjustments, and biculturalism. This skill of

psychological adjustment is being able to cope with culture shock and adapt to the new

environment. Frustration, alienation, and stress are three common feelings of culture shock that

people suffer when visiting another country (p. 92). When I visited the Dominican Republic, I

had a bit of culture shock. As I previously mentioned, I had high anxiety in situations where I did

not understand what was being said. Because it was a mission trip where it was my responsibility

to help and serve others, I had to move past the nervousness and frustration that I was
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experiencing so I could not only do what needed to be done, but also effectively communicate

with those I spent my time with there.

Cultural Awareness

Lastly, cultural awareness is the most important skill area that one must have in order to

have effective communication. Prior to entering a country or different culture, it would be wise

to study their culture in attempt to understand the social customs and behaviors that are most

common to them. We can often be so focused on ourselves and our own experiences that we do

not realize that we have invaded other people’s culture. It is our responsibility to be respectful of

their values, beliefs, behaviors, and overall differences that they may have from us. There are

three perspectives that are described in An Introduction to Intercultural Communication that

guarantee one is being communication competent. First, affective or intercultural sensitivity is

acknowledging and respecting cultural differences. Second, cognitive or intercultural awareness

is being self-aware of one’s own personal cultural identity. Third, behavioral or intercultural

adroitness is exemplifying “message skills, knowledge of appropriate self-disclosure, behavioral

flexibility, interaction management, and social skills” (p. 92). All of these put together allow for

effective communication to take place between two of more individuals of a different country or

culture.

Conclusion

It can be a lot to take in when considering traveling to another country. Preparing oneself

mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually can be draining. Recognizing our strengths and

weaknesses, being able to use our communication strengths, moving past our anxieties, and

being aware of differences among cultures will ensure our conversations are successful. Overall,

our biggest responsibility as outsiders visiting another country or culture is being respectful of all
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persons and each other’s differences. Respect, honor, and integrity typically bring about

mutuality between two people trying to have an effective conversation, and these three

characteristics are recognized worldwide.

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Reference

Jandt, F. E. (2018). An Introduction to Intercultural Communication: Identities in a Global

Community. 10th ed. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.