Cross Cultural Understanding Megawati M Pd CROSS CULTURAL

Cross Cultural Understanding Megawati, M. Pd

CROSS CULTURAL CONTACT WITH AMERICANS A. The Term “American” There are so many types of Americans and yet a mainstream culture does exist. Even the word American is confusing. After all, American is consisting and includes North America, Central America and South America.

B. Americans Culture Some people might argue that it is impossible to generalize about American doesn’t come from a common ancestor. Expect for native Americans (Indian), American come from different immigrant and refugee groups. Americans do have a common heritage, but it is based on cultural diversity or multiculturalism. There are many terms in American culture: - Mainstream Culture: the values, beliefs, and behavior of the dominant group in a society. The behaviour of the dominant group in a society. The behaviour of the group is based on its values and beliefs - Melting pot: a society in which ethnic group blend and become a group. American views of their own diversity have changed over the years in early 1900’s some peoples describe American melting pot from that description is not very accurate however because ethnic group have always been different from one another. - Mosaic: a society in which ethnic groups retain their separate identities but together from the larger community. By the 1970’s, better analogy was introduced American multicultural society that described a generalization: a statement describing general behavior that does not apply all the times a mosaic in which all the races and ethnic group could be proudly displayed. - Stereotype: an exaggerate belief about a group often base on lack information or contact with members of that group.

Minority : a number that is less than one half of the total number, a group that is not part of the larger or mor powerful group Majority: number that is more than one-half of the total number, a group that is larger or more powerful than other groups Homogeneous: made up of one group: having members that are all the same Heterogeneous: made up of variety of groups, having members that are not all the same

C. American Value such the ones just described, are the backbone of American culture. They influence how many American think and act. Before proceeding to the list itself, we should also point out that Americans see all of these values as very positive ones. American values are: 1. Personal control over the environment X fate Americans no longer believe in the power of Fate, and they have come to look at people who do as being backward, primitive, or hopelessly naïve. To be call "fatalistic" is one of the worst criticisms one can receive in the American context; to an American, it means one is superstitious and lazy, unwilling to take any initiative in bringing about improvement. In the United States, people consider it normal and right that Man should control Nature, rather than the other way around. More specifically, people believe every single individual should have control over whatever in the environment might potentially affect him or her. 2. Change X Tradition In the American mind, change is seen as an indisputably good condition. Change is strongly linked to development, improvement, progress, and growth. Many older, more traditional cultures consider change as a disruptive, destructive force, to be avoided if at all possible. Instead of change, such societies value stability, continuity, tradition, and a rich and ancient heritage—none of which are valued very much in the United States.

3. Control over time X Time walks For the average American, time is the most importance. To the foreign visitor, Americans seem to be more concerned with getting things accomplished on time (according to a predetermined schedule) than they are with developing deep interpersonal relations. Schedules, for the American, are meant to be planned and then followed in the smallest detail. 4. Equality and Egalitarianism X Hierarchy, Rank, Status. Equality is, for Americans, one of their most cherished values. This concept is so important for Americans that they have even given it a religious basis. They say all people have been "created equal. " Most Americans believe that God views all humans alike without regard to intelligence, physical condition or economic status. In secular terms this belief is translated into the assertion that all people have an equal opportunity to succeed in life. Americans differ in opinion about how to make this ideal into a reality. Yet virtually all agree that equality is an important civic and social goal.

5. Individualism and Privacy X Group Orientation Here, each individual is seen as completely and marvelously unique, that is, totally different from all other individuals and, therefore, particularly precious and wonderful. Americans may, and do, join groups—in fact many groups— but somehow believe they’re just a little different, just a little unique, just a little special, from other members of the same group. And they tend to leave groups as easily as they enter them. 6. Self Help X Birthright Inheritance Americans get no credit whatsoever for having been born into a rich family. (In the United States, that would be considered "an accident of birth. ") Americans pride themselves in having been born poor and, through their own sacrifice and hard work, having climbed the difficult ladder of success to whatever level they have achieved—all by themselves. The American social system has, of course, made it possible for Americans to move, relatively easily, up the social ladder.

7. Future Orientation X Past Orientation Valuing the future and the improvements Americans are sure the future will bring means that they devalue that past and are, to a large extent, unconscious of the present. Even a happy present goes largely unnoticed because, happy as it may be, Americans have traditionally been hopeful that the future would bring even greater happiness. Almost all energy is directed toward realizing that better future. 8. Action and Work Orientation X Being Orientation "Don’t just stand there, " goes a typical bit of American advice, "do something!" This expression is normally used in a crisis situation, yet, in a sense, it describes most American’s entire waking life, where action—any action—is seen to be superior to inaction. 9. Informality X Formality In Indonesian view, Americans seem to be extremely informal, and will probably feel that they are even disrespectful of those in authority. As one example of this informality, American bosses often urge their employees to call them by their first names and even feel uncomfortable if they are called by the title "Mr. " or "Mrs. "

10. Directness, Openness, Honesty X Indirectness Americans, however, have always preferred the first approach. They are likely to be completely honest in delivering their negative evaluations. Americans are not trying to make you lose face with their directness. It is important to realize that an American would not, in such case, lose face. There is no way to soften the blow of such directness and openness if you are not used to it except to tell you that the rules have changed while you are here. Indeed, Americans are trying to urge their fellow countrymen to become even more open and direct. 11. Materialism X Spiritualism Americans are materialistic. This means that they value and collect more material objects than most people would ever dream of owning. It also means they give higher priority to obtaining, maintaining and protecting their material objects than they do in developing and enjoying interpersonal relationships.

CROSS CULTURAL CONFLICT AND ADJUSTMENT Culture : a shared background (for example, national, ethnic, religious) resulting from a common language and communication style, customs, beliefs, attitudes and values. “culture” in this text does not refer to art, music, literature, food, clothing styles and so on. It refers to the informal and often hidden patterns of human interactions, expressions and viewpoints that people in one culture share. The hidden nature of culture has been compared to an iceberg, most of which is hidden underwater. Like the iceberg much of the influenceof culture on an individual cannot be seen. The part of culture that is exposed is not always that which creates cross cultural difficulties, the hidden aspects of culture have significant effects on behaviour and interactions with other. Communication: the process of sharing meaning through verbal and nonverbal behaviour Cross cultural communication: communication (verbal and non verbal) between people from different cultures, communication is influenced by cultural values, attitudes, and behaviour, the influence of culture on people’s reaction and responses to each other

A fish out of water is the expression has been used to describe someone who living in a new culture. In thinking about how someone will adjust to a new culture, the following questions should be considered: - Motivation – Relationships with other - Length of stay – Financial situations - Language and culture – Job - Language and cultural knowledge – Age - Personality – Degree “A Fish Out of Water” This expression has been used to describe someone who is lving in a new culture. Such a person will experience a variety of emotional “up and down” lasting from weeks to years. Cultural adjustment can indeed be difficult, and newcomers adjust in many different ways. Definitions The words “to adjust” and “ to adapt” both deal with changing to meet the demans of a new situation to adjust: to change in order to fit to adapt: to make fit or suitable by changing or adjusting elation: great happiness (“up”) depression: great sadness (“down”)

A ride on roller coaster is the expression that people can be experience both loving and hating the new country. There are distinct stages in the adjustment process: 1. Honeymoon Period Many people are fascinated and excited by everything in the new culture. 2. Culture Shock The individuals are immersed in new problem. 3. Initial Adjustment Everyday activities such as housing and shopping are no longer major problems. 4. Mental Isolation Individual have been away from their family and good friends. 5. Acceptances and integration

A routine activity has established. They feel comfortable with new country. There are typical symptoms of problem adjusting to the new culture: 1. Homesickness 2. Inability to work well 3. Too much eating, drinking or sleeping 4. Anger toward the members of the new culture 5. Glorifying the native culture and emphasizing the negative in the new culture 6. Withdrawal and avoidance of contact with people from the new culture 7. Lack of ability to deal with even small problems.

Cultural shock: is a “normal” reaction when we are confronted with unfamiliar surroundings and environment Ethnocentrism and Adjustment Ethnocentrism: The emotional attitude, often unconscious, that one’s own ethnic group, nation, or culture is superior to all others; that one’s own cultural values and behaviour are normaland that other cultural values and behaviour are “strange”. People can have difficulty adjusting to another culture for many reasons. One of those reasons is ethnocentrism. When people are ethnocentric, they cannot interpret cultural values and behaviour except through their own cultural perspective. Sometimes people do not recognize that they appear ethnocentric to others. One can innocently say things that demonstrate a belief “our way is right” or “ our way is best”. For example, someone can say “ In my country, children are uch happier than in your country”.

The Process Of adjustment

Cultural Re-entry Adjustment A cutural readjustment process occurs when visitors return to their native countries, although the stages are usually shorter and less intense than those of adjustment to a new culture. The following shaped diagram illustrates reactions and emotions experienced when people leave a foreign country and reurn to their own 1. Acceptance and integration: a routine has been established new cuture. The foreigner has accepted and is comfortable cultural differences 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 experience and may be nervous about going home 3. Return honeymoon: Immediately upon arrival in the person’s home country, there is generally a great deal of excitement. There are parties to welcome back the visitor, and friendships are renewed 4. Re-entry shock: Family and friends may not understand o appreciate what the traveler has experienced. The native country or city may have changed in the eyes of the traveler 5. Reintegration: The former traveler becomes fully involved with friends, and activities, and once again feels integrated in the society.

VERBAL COMMUNICATION: THE WAY PEOPLE SPEAK Conversational Involvement: A. High Involvement 1. Talk more 2. Interrupt more 3. Expect to be interrupted 4. Talk more loudly 5. Talk more quickly B. High Considerateness 1. Speak one at a time 2. Use polite listening sound 3. Refrain from interrupting 4. Give plenty of positive and respectful response.

Ping pong and bowling conversation styles are when conversation styles are contrast. American ping pong style is formal conversation among the Japanese, which has been compared to bowling. Each participant in a Japanese conversation waits politely for turn and knows exactly when the time is right to speak.

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION: SPEAKING WITHOUT WORDS Cultural differences in nonverbal communication can expresses meaning or feeling without words, universal emotions such as happiness, fear and sadness. A. Gesture and Body Positioning Gesture are specific body movements that carry meaning. Many American business executive enjoy relaxing with their feet up on their desk. B. Facial Expressiveness Facial expressiveness carry meaning that is determined by situation and relationships. In American culture, smile is frequently used to cover emotional pain or embarrassment. C. Eye Contact Eye contact is important because insufficient or excessive eye contact can create communication barriers. It serves to show intimacy, attention and influence. D. Conversational Distance This distance has had several names over the years, including personal space, interpersonal distance, comport zone, and body bubble. For Americans, the usual distance is social conversation ranges from about an arm’s length to four feet. Less space in American culture may be associated with either greater intimacy or aggressive behavior.

RELATIONSHIP: FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES A. Definition - Friendliness: behavior, characterized by smiling, chattiness, warmth that demonstrated interest in another person (adjective: friendly). - Friendship: a relationship in which people know and like to each other. B. Friendliness versus Friendship Many people around the world characterize Americans are friendly especially in comparison to certain other cultural groups tend to smile and talk easily with others even if they are strangers. They strike up conversations with each other. From their point of view, how can a person trust a stranger enough to chat freely and reveal personal information? After all, in most of the world, strangers are not to be trusted. C. Cross Cultural Friendship One of the most problems is that foreigners misinterpret American friendliness as an offer of friendship. When the American is unaware of these expectations or is unwilling to be a true friend, the new comer in U. S can become disappointed.

FAMILY: TYPES AND TRADITIONS A. Child Rising Acculturation, is begins at birth. The process of teaching new generation of children is custom and values of the parent culture. In the United States, it is common for parents to put a newborn child in separate bedroom when the child is a view weekend old. By having their own rooms, the children will also be able to have privacy when they are older. B. Young Childhood American children have typically been encouraged, but usually not forced, to leave nest and begins independent lives. Then over 50% of young adult aged 18 -24 currently live in their parent’s home. Parents do not arrange marriages for their children, nor do children usually ask their parent’s permission to get married. C. The Elderly Societal and familial treatment of the elderly also reflects the values of independence and individualism. Senior citizen centers provide a means for peer-group association within their age group. Indifference to the aged 65 -74 and 35% of women in the same age group live alone.

D. The Nuclear and the Extended Family The nuclear family consists of the father, mother and children: this is the family. The extended family, which consists of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and in-laws is important in United States. E. Working Wives and Husbands For many women, their work represents the need to contribute to the family income and not a means of attaining personal fulfillment. F. Single- Parent Families Many single mother and fathers often feel stretched to their limits with unending responsibilities that face them. Despite the number of single parents in the United States, there is no indication that marriage is becoming less popular; the remarriage rate remains high, with approximately 4 out or 5 divorce couples eventually remarrying other people. G. Varieties of Families in United States Two women or two men with or without children can also constitute a family. Couples who have decided not to have children or unmarried couples who have chosen to live together may likewise see themselves as a family.

EDUCATION: VALUES AND EXPECTATIONS Student participant: active involvement of a student in the leaning process, especially in the United States, student participation is not only accepted but expected Honor system: the demand that a student be honest in all areas of schoolwork no cheating of any kind is allowed Cooperative student relationships: relationships characterized by students’ willingness to work together as a team, and to share knowledge and information Competitive student relationships: relationships characterized by students’ desire to work alone, and do not to share knowledge and information with others

The term “instructor” is usually used for teachers in adult schools (sometimes referred to as “night school”), and junior, city, and community colleges. The term “professor” is usually used for teacher in four-year colleges and universities

Work: Practice and attitude Job search: the process of looking or “hunting” for a job Employee: someone who works for another person or a company; a worker Employer: someone who hires other people to work for him or her To brainstorm: to think of and express many ideas or potential solutions to a problem. The ideas are not judged, but are used creatively to generate new ideas and solutions. Subordinates and their supervisors often participate freely together in “brainstorming” sessions Work ethnic: an outcome of religious belief that inspired people to work hard and achieve success Workaholic: describes people who are as addicted to their work as an alcoholics is to liquor

Cross-Cultural Implications of the Job Search “Knock rather on opportunity’s door if you wish to enter”. “Job hunting” in the United States or in an American organization outside of the United States is challenging experience for Americans, but it is especially so for people from other countries. A personal contact, such as a friend or relative, can be of help in informing someone of a job opening and possibly helping the job applicant obtain an interview.

Steps to Finding a Job Preparation= This involves identifying one’s skills and the range of work one is capable doing. Networking= People usually find jobs on the basis of their performance at an interview, their education, and their work experience. Resume Development=In some countries, a resume is not used as an instrument for finding a Job The interview=The best interview is one in which there is two-way communication between the employer and the job applicant.