Language and communication in international students’ adaptation: a bibliometric and content analysis review

This article systematically reviews the literature (313 articles) on language and communication in international students’ cross-cultural adaptation in institutions of higher education for 1994–2021. We used bibliometric analysis to identify the most impactful journals and articles, and the intellectual structure of the field. We used content analysis to synthesize the results within each research stream and suggest future research directions. We established two major research streams: second-language proficiency and interactions in the host country. We found inconclusive results about the role of communication with co-nationals in students’ adaptation, which contradicts the major adaptation theories. New contextualized research and the use of other theories could help explain the contradictory results and develop the existing theories. Our review suggests the need to theoretically refine the interrelationships between the interactional variables and different adaptation domains. Moreover, to create a better fit between the empirical data and the adaptation models, research should test the mediating effects of second-language proficiency and the willingness to communicate with locals. Finally, research should focus on students in non-Anglophone countries and explore the effects of remote communication in online learning on students’ adaptation. We document the intellectual structure of the research on the role of language and communication in international students’ adaptation and suggest a future research agenda.publishedVersio

Stress and Coping Due to Global Virtual Teamwork

Global virtual teams (GVTs), project teams composed of individuals working across time and space via electronic platforms, are becoming increasingly commonplace in most organizations today and in global organizations specifically. The aim of this study was to explore issues employees experienced when working virtually in GVTs in order to develop recommendations for addressing those issues and encouraging solutions to benefit the employees, teams, and organizations as a whole. This paper presents findings from 27 interviews on coping and strain reactions to participation in intercultural computer-mediated communication (CMC). Analyses of the qualitative data suggest that intercultural training were helpful in reducing miscommunication and strains or helping individuals to cope (e.g., using problem-focused coping) with strains, although analyses were not statistically significant. In addition to sample size, tenure, experience, and personality might also contribute to few reported negative emotions and the need to actively cope with intercultural CMC stressor. Implications of the findings are discussed

A Longitudinal Study of Person-Culture Fit: Convergence of Mental Models

The person-environment fit hypothesis argues that the match or fit between an individual and the environment predicts positive adaptation outcomes for the person. Unfortunately, the person-environment fit hypothesis has not received consistent empirical support in the context of cross-cultural adaptation due to lack of a clear conceptualization of fit and an appropriate measure of fit. This dissertation proposes to use the convergence of mental models, a dynamic constructivist approach, to conceptualize person-culture fit, and to use it as a viable mechanism for understanding cross-cultural adaptation processes. A cross-lagged structural equation model was developed to examine how cultural adaptability and host language proficiency lead to positive adaptation outcomes through the mediating roles of mental model convergence and mental model change. Participants were 126 sojourning Chinese students studying in the U.S. and 30 American students and professors who were friends of the Chinese participants. Data were collected from the Chinese participants at two points in time: shortly after they arrived in the U.S. and three months after the first round of data collection. Based on results from a pilot study, participants were asked to rate the dissimilarities between 10 concepts relevant to cross-cultural adaptation. An index of person-culture fit was generated by comparing each Chinese sojourner's mental space with the aggregated mental space of domestic American participants. In addition, the Chinese participants reported their level of cultural adaptability, English proficiency, amount of intercultural communication with host nationals, and psychological wellbeing. Results from the study showed that Chinese sojourners' psychological wellbeing declined about three months after their arrival, which is consistent with the U-curve model of culture shock. Results indicated that cultural adaptability affected cultural adjustment. Specifically, cultural adaptability affected the development of host identification and was positively related to the degree of mental model change. English proficiency affected cultural adjustment through its direct positive effect on the amount of intercultural communication and psychological wellbeing. Finally, person-culture cognitive fit had a positive influence on host identification and psychological wellbeing. The interpretations and implications of the results, the contributions and limitations of the study, and directions for future research, were discussed

Understanding the Strength of Muslim Identity as a Way to Manage Anxiety and Uncertainty for Foreign Students While Communicate Digitally in the US

This study aims to provide recommendations to foreign Muslim students studying in the United States (US) so they can manage their anxiety and uncertainty when communicating digitally on social media. This research is motivated by the challenges foreign Muslim students face when they have to adapt to interactions that exist in conditions of society that are far different from their origin country, there is not much time, and the scope is now also expanding into the digital world. The method used in this research is qualitative with a case study approach. Data was collected through in-depth interviews based on the Anxiety and Uncertainty Management (AUM) theory by William B. Gudykunst with three foreign Muslim students from Turkey, Morocco, and Pakistan who were studying at Utah Tech University. The research results show that understanding the strength of Muslim identity contained in oneself is one of the most effective ways to reduce the anxiety and uncertainty they often experience. In addition to understanding Muslim identity, other recommendations include using social media to educate people about negative Islamic stereotypes, not giving opinions that conflict with local values, and trying to communicate like US netizens to familiar people. Suggestions for further research are to expand the scope of research by adding more participants from more diverse cultural backgrounds

Effects of Parental Divorce on Uncertainty Following Initial Communication with a Potential Romantic Partner

Decades of research have supported Berger and Calabrese\u27s (1975) Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT), which posits that reducing uncertainty is a chief goal of initial communication between strangers. This study extends the scope of URT, focusing on initial communication between strangers who see themselves as potential romantic partners. Further, this study specifically examines the potential influence of a well-researched external factor that has been found to negatively affect the way people communicate and behave within romantic relationships: parental divorce. Although many studies have assessed the impact of parental divorce on communication in developed relationships, there is little research examining its impact on initial communication, specifically, uncertainty levels, between potential romantic partners. This study provides an initial examination of this question. A review of existing research suggests that the presence of parental divorce may result in increased negative communication patterns and distrust toward potential romantic partners, and that these effects are more pronounced the younger the child is when divorce occurs. These findings guided the hypothesis that individuals with divorced parents would express higher levels of uncertainty than those whose parents are not divorced. A second hypothesis predicted that the younger individuals were when their parents divorced, the higher their level of uncertainty would be. A research question asks whether current number of friends and similarity to a potential partner will affect uncertainty levels. To test these hypotheses and answer this question, a convenience sample of university students filled out a survey, which contained a hypothetical conversation that could have taken place between the participant and a potential romantic partner. Then, respondents completed the CL7 confidence scale (Clatterbuck, 1979) and answered a series of demographic questions, including whether their parents divorced, and if so, at what age the divorce occurred. A multiple regression analysis of the data indicated that neither parental divorce nor age at which divorce occurred influenced respondents\u27 level of uncertainty. Other findings demonstrated statistically significant relationships in the non-divorced parents data subset between respondents\u27 perceived similarity to the potential romantic partner, ethnicity and sex and respondents\u27 level of certainty. Potential explanations for these findings and theoretical implications are discussed

Effect of support and cultural intelligence on the adjustment and performance of expatriates and their family members in Malaysia

Theory suggests that people fear the unknown and no matter how experienced one is, the feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, if not managed well would affect how we view ourselves and how others view us. Hence, it is in human nature to engage in activities to help decipher behaviours that seem contrary to their beliefs and hinder the smooth-flowing of their work and daily activities. Building on these arguments, this research investigates the two types of support that are provided by multinational corporations (MNCs) and host country nationals (HCNs) to the expatriates and their family members whilst on international assignments in Malaysia as antecedents to their adjustment and performance in the host country. To complement the support provided, cultural intelligence (CQ) is investigated to explain the influence of cultural elements in facilitating adjustment and performance of the relocating families, especially to socially integrate into the host country. This research aims to investigate the influence of support and CQ on the adjustment and performance of expatriates in Malaysia. Path analyses are used to test the hypothesised relationships. The findings substantiate the pivotal roles that MNCs and HCNs play in helping the expatriates and their families acclimatise to the host country. This corroborates the norm of reciprocity where assistance or support rendered especially at the times when they were crucially needed would be reciprocated with positive behaviour deemed of equal value. Additionally, CQ is significantly positive in enhancing adjustment to the host country, which highlights the vital role that cultural awareness and knowledge play in enhancing effective intercultural communication and better execution of contextual performance. The research highlights the interdependence of the expatriates? multiple stakeholders (i.e. MNCs, HCNs, family members) in supporting the expatriates whilst on assignments. Finally, the findings reveal that the expatriate families do influence how the locals view the families and would be a great asset in initiating future communication between the expatriates and HCNs. The research contributes to the fields of intercultural adjustment and communication and also has key messages for policy makers

Meet-Up de Español, cómo hablar español ayuda a moldear la identidad y hasta que punto el lenguaje impide o facilita las relaciones interculturales

Compartir experiencias con diferentes personas y culturas alrededor del mundo se está haciendo cada vez más fácil gracias a la globalización. Por esto, hoy en día la comunicación intercultural se ha vuelto una de las teorías más relevantes en las ciencias sociales para el estudio del concepto de identidad. Una de las formas de construir y moldear identidad es la creación de espacios interculturales, donde la comunicación juega un papel primordial al permitir el intercambio de culturas. Los Meet- Up Groups, es uno de aquellos espacios interculturales que permiten identificar cómo la comunicación ayuda a facilitar o impedir el desarrollo de relaciones humanas. Este estudio se concentró en un Meet-Up de español para identificar cómo el lenguaje es un factor fundamental para moldear identidades, disminuir el choque cultural e, incluso, permitir el desarrollo de fenómenos como la hibridación

Anxiety and sociocultural adjustment from the perspective of international students in Malaysia

The main purpose for this study is to investigate whether anxiety will inversely influence international students’ sociocultural adjustment in the context of pursuing education in higher learning institutions in Malaysia; specifically in Universiti Utara Malaysia. The data used for this study derived from the questionnaire survey conducted randomly among the international students in Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) who came from 27 different nationalities. A total number of 397 valid responses were successfully obtained. The descriptive analysis, reliability analysis and correlation analysis were undertaken in this study. For the relationship between anxiety and sociocultural adjustment, although a significant relationship is found, the direction of the postulated relationship is positive instead of negative. Discussions and conclusion of research are put forth

Recognising the Latino immigrant’s space in the American neighbourhood and creating a community for peaceful coexistence

Americans in suburban communities have perceived local Hispanic immigrants in search for a better life as the cultural other, widening the ‘space’ for mutual learning and the opportunity for building a stronger, peace-enhanced community. But what is fueling the auto- and hetero-stereotypes of the immigrants and Americans? Using the participant observer approach and a survey, this study compares first impressions Latino immigrants and Caucasians in a US suburban community have about each other and investigates their comfort levels of living together. It examines communicative adaptability, language acquisition, and cultural knowledge as constructs for negotiating community coercion and diversity in the semi-urban locale. Analysis of data from separate questionnaires administered to Latino and Caucasian American respondents show a correlation between the American value of equal to opportunity and Caucasian Americans’ view of Latino immigrants. Data also reveal that both groups are comfortable living together, but auto-and hetero-stereotypes persist among both groups. The study further offers steps for strengthening intercultural understanding between both groups.Key words: Caucasian American, Latino, comfort level, interaction, social cohesiveness, suburban, stereotypes