5. Secondary Research:

CHINESE SOJOURNERS ON THE BACKGROUND OF CROSS-CULTURAL ADAPTATION

I did some research about how Chinese sojourners try to acculturate different culture and background.

Firstly, I read about some articles about cross-cultural adaptation.

The mind map of the research is shown as below.

1 Sojourner: When it comes to the concept of cross-cultural adaption, it usually refer to the term “sojourner” , which refers to individuals who reside temporarily within a culture different from their own, encompassing a diverse group such as business professionals, students, technical experts, diplomats, and travellers. These individuals face the challenges of adapting across cultures.

2 Adaption: This cross-cultural adaptation is divided into two primary categories: psychological adaptation and sociocultural adaptation.(Ward & Kennedy, 1992)

Psychological Adaptation: Rooted in emotional response, it pertains to mental well-being and life satisfaction when immersed in a new culture. If a sojourner experiences minimal negative feelings, such as depression, anxiety, or homesickness, they’re considered to have achieved psychological adaptation.

Sociocultural Adaptation: This pertains to one’s ability to fit into the local social and cultural environment and to effectively interact with locals.

When studying the factors affecting cross-cultural adaptation, psychological adaptation is often the primary focus. It linked with the concept is “acculturation”, which outlines the psychological and behavioural changes individuals undergo after prolonged interactions with a different cultural group.

Acculturation can be viewed from two angles:

• Retaining identity from one’s native culture.
• Building and maintaining relationships within the new local community.

When merged, these perspectives result in four distinct approaches to acculturation:

• Integration: A balanced view where one values both their native culture and the relationships within the new society.
• Separation: A reserved stance where one holds onto their native culture and distances themselves from the new cultural environment.
• Assimilation: Prioritising integration into the new culture at the expense of one’s native identity.
• Marginalisation: A distant approach where one neither identifies with their native culture nor seeks to integrate into the new environment.

Interestingly, a strong identification with one’s native culture aligns with better psychological adaptation, while a strong connection with the local culture is tied to enhanced sociocultural adaptation. Sojourners adopting the integration approach typically fare better psychologically than those leaning towards assimilation. Conversely, those favoring separation often struggle with sociocultural adaptation, whereas those with assimilative and integrative stances tend to exhibit higher levels of sociocultural competence.(Ward & Kennedy, 1994)

In today’s interconnected world, understanding the nuances of adaptation and acculturation is important. Recognizing the diverse strategies sojourners employ offers insights into promoting healthier, more inclusive interactions in multicultural environments.

3 Cross-Cultural Adaptation:

Key External Factors

• Life Changes: When individuals engage in cross-cultural interactions, they face several life changes, including shifts in dietary habits, pace of life, and climate. These changes often lead to stress, potentially hindering adaptation.
• Social Support: Social support is a significant predictor of psychological adaptation. This support can come from various sources, such as family, friends, and acquaintances. For those residing in a foreign country, support can be segmented into that received from compatriots and locals(Adelman, 1988). Support from fellow countrymen can offer valuable information to help navigate new environments, provide emotional assistance, and create a sense of belonging. This can reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and alienation. However, overrely on support from compatriots might impede adaptation to the local culture. Studies have indicated that those who spend excessive time with fellow countrymen may face more adaptation challenges. Furthermore, forming a balanced relationship with locals is essential for holistic adaptation.(Chen, 1998)
• Psychological Adjustment Over Time: Lysgard’s research suggests that cross-cultural adaptation follows a U-shaped curve. This model encompasses four emotional stages: honeymoon, crisis, recovery, and adaptation. Initially, individuals might be intrigued and enthusiastic about their new surroundings. Over time, they may face challenges leading to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, but with perseverance, they can overcome these issues and eventually adapt.

• Cultural Distance: Cultural distance acts as a moderator between the stress experienced by sojourners and their adaptation issues. Cultures can be seen as a spectrum of similarity or difference(Babiker, Cox & Miller, 1980). For instance, Australia and New Zealand share a smaller cultural distance compared to Australia and Japan. The prevailing hypothesis is that the larger the cultural distance, the harder the adaptation. Therefore, an Australian businessperson might find it easier to adapt in Auckland than in Taipei.
• Prejudice & Discrimination: Racial discrimination can have a profound impact on both psychological and sociocultural adaptation. A strong negative correlation exists between racial discrimination and psychological well-being. Although from a cultural distance perspective, Chinese individuals might find it easier to adapt in Japan compared to Westerners, many studies suggest that Chinese face more challenges in Japan. A significant reason for this is the discrimination they face, highlighting the weight discrimination holds in cross-cultural adaptation.

Key Internal Factors

• Appraisal & Coping Styles: Individuals form expectations about their experiences in a new culture prior to the actual cross-cultural encounter. If these expectations align with the real experiences, it positively influences their adaptation. This alignment suggests that the individual is psychologically prepared to handle the potential stresses of life changes. Effective coping mechanisms, such as using humor, also play a significant role in adaptation.
• Personality: The locus of control concept examines whether individuals believe they control events or if external factors, such as luck, dominate. Several studies have indicated that the locus of control is a significant predictor of psychological adaptation. Other personality traits that influence cross-cultural adaptation include flexibility, tolerance for ambiguity, resilience, sense of control, self-efficacy, and self-monitoring.
• Knowledge & Skills: Cultural knowledge and skills can boost psychological adaptation to a new societal environment. Previous overseas experience can aid in better cross-cultural adjustment in future situations. Acquiring cultural knowledge can also be facilitated through training and education. For instance, proficiency in the local language is an essential skill, and studies have shown a strong correlation between language fluency and feelings of psychological well-being, adaptation, and overall satisfaction.
• Demographic Factors: Demographics like gender, age, income, and education have been extensively researched in relation to adaptation. Education, in particular, positively correlates with adaptation. This is because education is linked to other resources such as cultural knowledge and socio-economic wealth (higher-status jobs and more income). Thus, individuals with higher education levels tend to adapt better.

For detailed research of Chinese sojourners in London. I found that one of the study sheds light on a fascinating dynamic: how Chinese students abroad, particularly in the UK, navigate and interpret their environment. Chinese students in the UK have a unique way of living in the city. They often stick to certain areas and don’t use all the city facilities. This happens because many of them plan to go back to China after their studies. They might overlook or avoid certain facilities and spaces they perceive as unfamiliar or unnecessary(Cao, Meng & Shang, 2018).

The cultural adaptation levels of Chinese students studying abroad can be ranked from highest to lowest as follows: “living habits, language, social interaction, and values.”

The study found that Chinese students easily pick up daily UK habits and language. But they don’t always dig deeply into the culture. For example, they might not care about UK values or traditions. They often stay close to Chinese culture by speaking Mandarin and hanging out with other Chinese people. This shows they are more comfortable with things they know.

Digital platforms like QQ, WeChat, and Weibo play pivotal roles. Before even setting foot in the UK, many students already build connections through these platforms. This pre-established network, combined with the innate human tendency towards familiarity, often results in clusters of Chinese students residing and socializing together, creating a ‘buffer zone’ to mitigate cultural shock.

They also have different choices when it comes to fun or shopping. Places loved by locals might feel off-limits to these students. They mostly move around their living or study areas. For many, the Chinese Town becomes a favorite spot. It feels like a mini home away from home.

Reference:

1. Ward, C. & Kennedy, A., 1992. Locus of control, mood disturbance and social difficulty during cross-cultural transitions. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 16(3), pp.175-194.
2. Ward, C. & Kennedy, A., 1994. Acculturation strategies, psychological adjustment and sociocultural competence during cross-cultural transitions. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 18(3), pp.329-343.
3. Adelman, M.B., 1988. Cross-cultural adjustment: A theoretical perspective on social support. International Journal of Intercultural Relation, 12(3), pp.183-205.
4. Chen, X., 1998. Sojourners and “Foreigners” – A Study on Cross-Cultural Interpersonal Communication of Chinese Students Studying in the US. Hunan Education Publishing House, pp.173-179.
5. Babiker, I.E., Cox, J.L. & Miller, P., 1980. The measurement of cultural distance and its relationship to medical consultations, symptomatology, and examination performance of overseas students at Edinburgh University. Social Psychiatry, 15(2), pp.109-116.
6. Corder, S.P., 1975. The Language of Language Learners. The Broad Issues, 59, pp.233-245.
7. Cong, Y., Hunt, D., Wei, L., Huang, D. & Zuo, K. Cultural adaptation in the context of daily activities of international students: A case study of Chinese students in Birmingham, UK.
8. Cao, C., Meng, Q. & Shang, L., 2018. How can Chinese international students’ host-national contact contribute to social connectedness, social support, and reduced prejudice in the mainstream society? Testing a moderated mediation model. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 63(2), pp.43-52.
9. Balidemaj, A. & Small, M., 2019. The effects of ethnic identity and acculturation in mental health of immigrants: A literature review. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 65(7), pp.643-655.