RESUME OF

CROSS CULTURE UNDERSTANDING

Proposed to fulfill the individual assignments
of Cross Culture Understanding course
Lecturer Dr. Anjali, MM.

Composed By:

OVI SOVINA EKAWATI

NIM. 102300914

ENGLISH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND MANNERS
THE STATE INSTITUTE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES
“SULTAN MAULANA HASANUDDIN BANTEN”
1434 A.H/ 2013 A.D
 CHAPTER I
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. 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 behavior of the groups 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.
C. American Values
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.

CHAPTER II
CROSS CULTURAL CONFLICT AND ADJUSTMENT
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 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.
 CHAPTER III
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.

CHAPTER IV
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.

CHAPTER V
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.
 CHAPTER VI
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.

CHAPTER VII
EDUCATION: VALUES AND EXPECTATIONS
International students and immigrants attending schools in the United States can
experience multiple culture shocks. Students from abroad, accustomed to their countries
educational expectations, must adapt to new classroom, norms in a foreign educational
institution, in some other countries, students must humbly obey their teachers directions and
remain absolutely silent during a class. Yet in other cultures, students are allowed to criticize
or even contradict their teachers. Cultural differences as well as the experience of being a
newcomer account for some of the adjustment problems that non-native-born student’s
experience.
 CHAPTER VIII
WORK: PRACTICES AND ATTITUDES
“Knock rather than opportunity’s door if you wish to enter”, job hunting in the
United States is a challenging experience for Americans. There are steps finding a job:
1. Preparation: identifying skill
2. Networking: inform
3. Resume Development: summary of professional skills or data
4. The Interview: communication between employee and job applicant

In employer-employee relationship, subordinates often call their superiors by their

first names. They do not like to be called Sir or Ma’am.
Diposkan oleh Sofi Na di 19.33

Cross-Cultural Communication
Cross-cultural communication has become strategically important to companies due to the
growth of global business, technology, and the Internet. Understanding cross-cultural
communication is important for any company that has a diverse workforce or plans on
conducting global business. This type of communication involves an understanding of how
people from different cultures speak, communicate, and perceive the world around them.

Cross-cultural communication in an organization deals with understanding different business

customs, beliefs and communication strategies. Language differences, high-context vs. low-
context cultures, nonverbal differences, and power distance are major factors that can affect
cross-cultural communication.

Let's take a look at how cross-cultural differences can cause potential issues within an
organization. Jack is a manager at a New Mexico-based retail conglomerate. He has flown to
Japan to discuss a potential partnership with a local Japanese company. His business contact,
Yamato, is his counterpart within the Japanese company. Jack has never been to Japan
before, and he's not familiar with their cultural norms. Let's look at some of the ways that a
lack of cultural understanding can create a barrier for business success by examining how
Jack handles his meeting with Yamato.

High- vs. Low-Context Culture

The concept of high- and low-context culture relates to how an employee's thoughts,
opinions, feelings, and upbringing affect how they act within a given culture. North America
and Western Europe are generally considered to have low-context cultures. This means that
businesses in these places have direct, individualistic employees who tend to base decisions
on facts. This type of businessperson wants specifics noted in contracts and may have issues
with trust.

High-context cultures are the opposite in that trust is the most important part of business
dealings. There are areas in the Middle East, Asia and Africa that can be considered high
context. Organizations that have high-context cultures are collectivist and focus on
interpersonal relationships. Individuals from high-context cultures might be interested in
getting to know the person they are conducting business with in order to get a gut feeling on
decision making. They may also be more concerned about business teams and group success
rather than individual achievement.

Jack and Yamato ran into some difficulties during their business negotiations. Jack spoke
quickly and profusely because he wanted to seal the deal as soon as possible. However,
Yamato wanted to get to know Jack, and he felt that Jack spoke too much. Yamato also felt
that Jack was only concerned with completing the deal for his own self-interest and was not
concerned with the overall good of the company. Jack's nonverbal cues did not help the
negotiations either.

Nonverbal Differences
Gestures and eye contact are two areas of nonverbal communication that are utilized
differently across cultures. Companies must train employees in the correct way to handle
nonverbal communication as to not offend other cultures. For example, American workers
tend to wave their hand and use a finger to point when giving nonverbal direction. Extreme
gesturing is considered rude in some cultures. While pointing may be considered appropriate
in some contexts in the United States, Yamato would never use a finger to point towards
another person because that gesture is considered rude in Japan. Instead, he might gesture
with an open hand, with his palm facing up, toward the person.

Eye contact is another form of nonverbal communication. In the U.S., eye contact is a good
thing and is seen as a reflection of honesty and straightforwardness. However, in some Asian
and Middle Eastern cultures, prolonged eye contact can be seen as rude or aggressive in many
situations. Women may need to avoid it altogether because lingering eye contact can be
viewed as a sign of sexual interest. During their meeting, Jack felt that Yamato was not
listening to his talking points because Yamato was not looking Jack in the eyes. However,
Yamato did not want Jack to think he was rude, so he avoided looking directly into Jack's
eyes during his speech.

Language Differences
The biggest issue dealing with cross-cultural communication is the difficulty created by
language barriers. For example, Jack does not speak Japanese, so he is concerned with his
ability to communicate effectively with Yamato. There are some strategies that Jack can use
to help establish a rapport with Yamato. Jack can explain himself without words by using
emotions, facial expressions, and other nonverbal cues. He can also use drawings and ask for
an interpreter.
Additionally, companies that have to deal with cross-cultural communication can hire
employees with proficiency in other languages. Fortunately for Jack and Yamato, they both
had excellent translators who