CROSS-CULTURAL

UNDERSTANDING &
CULTURE SHOCK

Elvita Savitri D. (A73218053)

Fanda Novela (A93218100)
Cross-Cultural
Understanding

1. Cross-cultural understanding is the ability to move from ethnocentric attitudes to

respect for other cultures, which ultimately leads to behaving appropriately in a
culture of different cultures.

2. Positive and negative things interact with new perspectives.

Example: The culture of closeness of the eastern people is faced with the culture of
openness of the westerners.

3.
Understand various forms of culture, communicate appropriately and do not endure
a cultural shock.

4.
Cross-cultural understanding before cross-cultural communication will increase
the chances of success of the communication goals.
Cross-Cultural
Communication

Cross-cultural communication is Why is it important to understand?

the process of recognizing both a. able to express yourself with
differences and similarities among confidence, and
cultural groups in order to engage b. understand how to be patient
within a given context effectively. with other people who aren't
from a similar background.

In communicating between cultures, there

is a use of two types of cultural
communication approaches, namely the
high culture context and the low culture
context.
A. High Context Culture
In high-context cultures, communication is focused more on how the
message is conveyed than on what is said and is alert to nonverbal cues. In
other words, the meaning of the information exchanged during an
interaction does not have to be communicated in words. In Javanese
culture, things like this are very often used. People communicate with
sanépa, eye signals, body language, and so on.

B. Low Context Culture

A culture that relies heavily on words to convey meaning in
communication. What is conveyed, the meaning is with verbal words.
Therefore, usually people with this kind of culture will really pay attention to
what the other person is talking about.
 Communication
Styles

01. 02.
Verbal communication Non-verbal communication.

In verbal communication, the choice of words used can Apart from verbal language, what determines the
affect whether our communication is good or not. Although the success of communication is non-verbal communication.
words used are considered normal in one area, there is a possibility When communicating with other people, care must be
that they are considered impolite or rude in other places, so that taken: personal space, touch, facial expressions, eye
there is a possibility that they will offend. What needs to be contact, and posture.
considered is that the volume and tone of voice also greatly
influence our communication's success. Loud volume can indicate
assertiveness; weak means less assertive. A high tone of voice is
generally considered to be angry, and so on.
Tips Effective
for Cross-
Cultural
Communication

 Maintain etiquette   Speak slowly  Be careful with

 Avoid slang   Listening humour
 Be supportive
Cross-Cultural
Communication
Challenges
1. Different Communication Styles
2. Different Attitudes Towards Conflict

1. Different Approaches to Completing
Tasks
2. Different Decision-Making Styles

1. Different Attitudes Toward Disclosure

2. Different Approaches to Knowing
 Islamic Perspective
From the Islamic perspective, cross-cultural communication has been explicitly taught by Islam. Apart from the
QS. Al-Hujurat verse 13, it can be proven through the hadith the Prophet Muhammad SAW narrated by Abu
Darda’:

"Would you like me to tell you something more important

than the degree of fasting, prayer, and alms? The
companions answered: of course, Rasulallah. Then the
Prophet said: this is to reconcile disputes because the
character of the strife is destructive.“

In short, cross-cultural communication can essentially create harmony and togetherness. Thus, it creates ease
and understanding of all kinds of differences and disputes that exist between individuals and groups with
communication properly.
 WHAT IS CULTURE SHOCK?
According to Oberg (1960) culture shock is brought on by the
anxiety that results from losing all familiar signs and symbols of
social behavior when living in a foreign country.
 Five Progressive Stages of Asia Shock
That is identified by Engholm (1991)

01 02 03 04 05

Frustration with unwilling to Ethnocentricity: Racism: Avoidance the

the culture: understand: culture:
Thoughts or Belief that your racial
Feel annoy with the Do not try to reasoning based qualities are the Do not accept the
food, language, etc. understand the basis solely on our own best. host culture.
of the behavior.
culture and race.
 Honeymoon
This stage is the euphoric phase when you’re
fascinated by all the exciting and different aspects
of your new life from the sights and smells to the
pace of life and cultural habits.

Negotiation
This stage usually hits around 3 month, although it can
be earlier for some individuals, as the excitement
gradually disappears you are continually faced with
difficulties or unforgettable situations that may offend or
make you disconnected.

Adjustment
Frustrations are often subdued as travelers begin
to feel more familiar and comfortable with the
cultures, people, food, and languages of new
environments.

Acceptance or adaptation
Acceptance doesn’t mean that new cultures or
environments are completely understood. Rather, it
STAGES OF CULTURE SHOCK signifies that complete understanding isn’t
necessary to function and thrive in the new
surroundings.
 Aspect of culture shock
4 main points

Cultural stress Social alienation Social class & Financial matters

poverty
A stress that The feelings of Mentors in host Adapting to a
results from loneliness culture can be new culture
contact with a associated with helpful in involve financial
different culture being isolated advising persons adjustments,
and the lack of from friends and regarding companies
resources to the home acceptable ways should provide
manage the culture. of dealing with financial
situation. poverty. consoling.
 Islamic Perspective
From the Islamic perspective, culture shock has been explicitly taught by Islam. Apart from the QS. Al-Hashr verse
9 which reads:

“And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e.,al-Madīnah] and
[adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them
and find not any want in their breasts of what they [i.e., the emigrants]
were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they
are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul -
it is those who will be the successful.”

The verse describes about the Muhajirin and the Ansar respect each other. The Ansar as the hosts always try to
help and assist the Muhajirin, so that the Muhajirin does not feel difficult in adapting to the city they just lived in. The
Muhajirin and the Ansar cooperate with each other in order to defend the religion of Allah, so that the problems
encountered will be solved together. This makes the family atmosphere even closer and intertwined.
Thanks !
