Intercultural Conflict and Experiences of International Students in Turkey

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 202-213
Author(s):  
Abdulatif Hajjismael Ahmed ◽  
Osman Alfahim Osman Hamed ◽  
Svetla Gocheva
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Intercultural Competence ◽  
Communication Style ◽  
Intercultural Conflict ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Intercultural Awareness ◽  
Phenomenological Research Design ◽  
Intercultural Conflicts ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Depth Interviews

AbstractConflict is a part of daily life and it can occur for many reasons. In an intercultural environment, both international and local people can face conflict due to their interactions. Even though there has been an exponential increase in the growth of international students in Turkey in recent years, little is known about their experiences in the realm of intercultural conflicts. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the occurrence of intercultural conflicts among international students at Anadolu University. In particular, the study sought to examine possible intercultural conflicts this group of students might experience, international students’ intercultural awareness, the major sources of the intercultural conflict and how the international students cope with intercultural conflict. A qualitative research method with phenomenological research design was utilized and semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to gather data. The analysis of the study was organized into six themes, namely: awareness, approach, experience, communication style, worldview change, and coping strategy. Except for the last theme, the obtained data aligned with the literature. Findings revealed that the international students experienced intercultural conflicts mainly due to lack of intercultural competence. Based on these findings, recommendations for future studies were suggested.

scholarly journals Teaching Anti-Utopian/Dystopian Fiction in RFL/EFL Classroom as Intercultural Awareness Raising Tool

2020 ◽  
pp. 102-112
Author(s):  
Tetiana Kleofastova ◽  
Natalia Vysotska ◽  
Oleksandr Muntian
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Intercultural Competence ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Intercultural Awareness ◽  
Dystopian Fiction ◽  
Cultural Codes ◽  
Globalizing World ◽  
Target Languages ◽  
Teaching Learning

The article sets out to explore and substantiate the effectiveness of using anti-Utopian and dystopian fiction in teaching intercultural communication. It is based on the lasting experience of teaching Russian and English languages and cultures to students from many European, Asian, and African countries trained as Russian and English philologists at the Kyiv National Linguistic University. Intercultural literacy is one of the conditions sine qua non for successful communications and career in the rapidly globalizing world. Intercultural awareness in the Foreign Language Classroom can be raised by incorporating literary texts written in target languages into the curriculum. In addition to being instrumental for acquiring linguistic prowess, they can also play a substantial part in fostering (inter)cultural competences in non-native speakers. The two texts by contemporary Russian and British writers (Tatiana Tolstaya’s The Slynx and Jeannette Winterson’s The Stone Gods) were selected as case studies due to their artistry in addressing familiar and relevant human concerns, while containing specific cultural codes to be deciphered and understood by the international students. It was established that the success of the teaching/learning process relies on the interactive dialogic qualities inherent in the texts under study and enabling comparative, interdisciplinary, and cross-cultural approaches to them, thus contributing to the formation of full-fledged intercultural speakers. As demonstrated by the article, current dystopian fiction may serve as an efficient tool in enhancing intercultural competence in international students.

scholarly journals Preliminary Validation of the Questionnaire on Behavioral Strategies in Intercultural Conflict

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 489-506
Author(s):  
Anastasia A. Batkhina
Keyword(s):  
Intercultural Competence ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Quantitative Methodology ◽  
Behavioral Strategies ◽  
Interethnic Relations ◽  
Intercultural Conflict ◽  
Cultural Heterogeneity ◽  
Preliminary Validation ◽  
Intercultural Conflicts

Globalization, forced and voluntary migration, as well as the development of international relations result in increased cultural heterogeneity and, accordingly, increased frequency of intercultural contacts. Unfortunately, the massive clash of different cultures, ethnic groups and confessions is often accompanied by the emergence of cultural misunderstandings, prejudices and conflicts. From the point of view of scientific knowledge, intercultural conflict is a relatively new and poorly studied subject of psychology, which includes the need to create new tools for studying this kind of conflict. The article presents the results of the development and preliminary validation of The Questionnaire on Behavioral Strategies in Intercultural Conflict based on a motivational model for choosing a behavioral strategy. The development of the questionnaire took place in several stages and included a qualitative and quantitative methodology. The methodology was validated on a Russian sample (N = 256). The obtained results of approbation indicate rather high psychometric characteristics of the method as a research tool. The developed questionnaire describes behavior consistent with seven strategies: collaborating, competing, avoiding, accommodating, teaching norms, expressing negative emotions, and searching a third party. The questionnaire can be used by various specialists for the prevention and settlement of intercultural conflicts, when conducting trainings on ethnic tolerance and intercultural competence and communication, when developing recommendations for state and non-profit organizations dealing with the problems of interethnic relations, adaptation of refugees and migrants.

scholarly journals Teaching Anti-Utopian/Dystopian Fiction in RFL/EFL Classroom as Intercultural Awareness Raising Tool

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetiana Kleofastova ◽  
Natalia Vysotska ◽  
Oleksandr Muntian
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Intercultural Competence ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Intercultural Awareness ◽  
Dystopian Fiction ◽  
Cultural Codes ◽  
Globalizing World ◽  
Target Languages ◽  
Teaching Learning

The article sets out to explore and substantiate the effectiveness of using anti-Utopian and dystopian fiction in teaching intercultural communication. It is based on the lasting experience of teaching Russian and English languages and cultures to students from many European, Asian, and African countries trained as Russian and English philologists at the Kyiv National Linguistic University. Intercultural literacy is one of the conditions sine qua non for successful communications and career in the rapidly globalizing world. Intercultural awareness in the Foreign Language Classroom can be raised by incorporating literary texts written in target languages into the curriculum. In addition to being instrumental for acquiring linguistic prowess, they can also play a substantial part in fostering (inter)cultural competences in non-native speakers. The two texts by contemporary Russian and British writers (Tatiana Tolstaya’s The Slynx and Jeannette Winterson’s The Stone Gods) were selected as case studies due to their artistry in addressing familiar and relevant human concerns, while containing specific cultural codes to be deciphered and understood by the international students. It was established that the success of the teaching/learning process relies on the interactive dialogic qualities inherent in the texts under study and enabling comparative, interdisciplinary, and cross-cultural approaches to them, thus contributing to the formation of full-fledged intercultural speakers. As demonstrated by the article, current dystopian fiction may serve as an efficient tool in enhancing intercultural competence in international students.

Reclaiming and Reshaping Life: Patterns of Reconstruction After the Suicide of a Loved One

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 994-1005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dolores Angela Castelli Dransart
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Suicide Survivors ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Life Patterns ◽  
Survivors Of Suicide ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depth Interviews

The objective of this study is to identify patterns (components and processes) of reconstruction of suicide survivors. In-depth interviews were conducted with 50 survivors of suicide in Switzerland. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti and according to the Grounded Theory principles. Survivors of suicide face four major challenges: dealing with the impact of suicide, searching for meaning, clarifying responsibility, and finding a personal style of reaction and coping. The various ways in which survivors fare through the specific processes of the challenges result in various patterns of reconstruction: the vulnerability, transformation, commitment, and hard blow. The unique characteristics and dynamics of each of them are highlighted. Health care providers would benefit from an approach based on the dynamics of the various patterns of reconstruction in providing appropriate support to survivors of suicide.

Enhancing the professional dignity of midwives: A phenomenological study

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 1062-1074 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christelle Froneman ◽  
Neltjie C van Wyk ◽  
Ramadimetja S Mogale
Keyword(s):  
Research Design ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Optimal Care ◽  
Team Members ◽  
University Of Pretoria ◽  
Phenomenological Research Design ◽  
The University ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background: When midwives are not treated with respect and their professional competencies are not recognised, their professional dignity is violated. Objective: This study explored and described how the professional dignity of midwives in the selected hospital can be enhanced based on their experiences. Research design: A descriptive phenomenological research design was used with in-depth interviews conducted with 15 purposely selected midwives. Ethical considerations: The Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee of the University of Pretoria approved the study. The research was conducted in an academic tertiary hospital with voluntary participants. Findings: To dignify midwives it is essential to enhance the following: ‘to acknowledge the capabilities of midwives’, ‘to appreciate interventions of midwives’, ‘to perceive midwives as equal health team members’, ‘to invest in midwives’, ‘to enhance collegiality’, ‘to be cared for by management’ and ‘to create conducive environments’. Conclusion: The professional dignity of midwives is determined by their own perspectives of the contribution that they make to the optimal care of patients, the respect that they get from others and the support that hospital management gives them. With support and care, midwives’ professional dignity is enhanced. Midwives will strive to render excellent services as well as increasing their commitment.

scholarly journals Exploring intercultural competence through an intercultural extracurricular activity in Taiwan

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-109
Author(s):  
Kai Li Liu
Keyword(s):  
Extracurricular Activities ◽  
Intercultural Competence ◽  
Foreign Students ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Foreign Student ◽  
Depth Information ◽  
Extracurricular Activity ◽  
Language Programs ◽  
Intercultural Awareness ◽  
Communication Difficulties

Abstract This study used interviews to explore how 10 Taiwanese college students' intercultural competence was developed after participating in an intercultural extracurricular activity designed with a purpose to facilitate foreign students’ study in Taiwan and to promote meaningful home-foreign student contacts. In-depth information and narratives from the interviews were collected as evidence of intercultural competence development. The results showed all the interviewees appreciated the experience and felt it to have been of value to them in terms of building international friendships, heightening their intercultural awareness and the benefits of intercultural competence, and having more appreciation and better understanding of Taiwanese culture. Students also realized that a lack of understanding of Taiwanese culture could exacerbate communication difficulties. Students thus became aware of the importance of describing Taiwanese cultural practices in English and realized that more language practice was necessary for smoother communication. Suggestions for both extracurricular activities and language programs improvement in the future were also provided in the conclusion.

scholarly journals Inside the Lives of Hispanic Origin Ex-Convicts: Pre- and Post-Incarceration

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 83-99
Author(s):  
Yok-Fong Paat ◽  
Trina L Hope ◽  
Hector Zamora ◽  
Laura C Lopez ◽  
Christian Salas
Keyword(s):  
Role Models ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Mexican Origin ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Hispanic Origin ◽  
The Social ◽  
Before And After ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Depth Interviews

Using in-depth interviews, this study examined the social upbringing, subjective experiences and coping mechanisms of Mexican origin ex-convicts before and after their incarceration. Overall, our participants experienced multiple structural disadvantages prior to and following incarceration. Many grew up in environments with little social control—lacking good parenting or role models—and embedded in communities of concentrated poverty and criminality. Many also disclosed their struggles to survive, lack of positive influences and legitimate/constructive coping mechanisms. Contrary to public stereotypes that Mexican origin ex-convicts are hardcore criminals, many were convicted of non-violent drug-related charges and the majority aspired to a crime-free future. To reduce recidivism and minimize future re-offending, we suggest that clinical practitioners, social service providers and policy planners address the aforementioned needs and challenges that contributed to ex-convicts getting in trouble with the law to begin with.

scholarly journals Pursuing goals of sustainable development and internationalization in higher education context

2021 ◽  
Vol 296 ◽  
pp. 08024
Author(s):  
Elena Makarova
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
International Students ◽  
Extracurricular Activities ◽  
Intercultural Competence ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Cross Cultural Communication ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Internationalization In Higher Education

The article concerns internationalization of higher education as a factor for pursuing sustainable development goals by developing university students’ global competences. A review of modern research on internationalization processes in different national contexts allowed to highlight the main challenges of interaction between domestic and international students as well as discuss possible solutions. Analyses of survey results, aimed at identifying the factors preventing effective cross-cultural communication in a non-linguistic Russian university, confirm the demand for students’ development of intercultural competence, which is considered to be most effective through the study of a foreign language. The paper shows significance of involvement of Russian and international students in joint classroom and extracurricular activities, which can become the basis for their future international cooperation in the field of implementation of innovative technologies and foster sustainable development goals. The leading role of university foreign languages departments in tackling issues of university internationalization is emphasized.

scholarly journals THE TASTE OF HOME: THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH COMMENSALITY AMONGST FEMALE MALAY STUDENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

2022 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 316-334
Author(s):  
Ireena Nasiha Ibnu
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
International Students ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Migrant Communities ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Food And Identity ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background and Purpose: Commensality is an act of eating together among migrant communities as a means of passing down the culture and ethnic identity. There is very limited discussion on commensality that pays attention to food sharing and eating that extends beyond the traditional forms of social relationships, identity, and space among the Malay community abroad. Thus, this article aims to explore the connections of social relationships through food, space and identity amongst female Malay students in the United Kingdom.   Methodology: This research is based on one-year ethnographic fieldwork amongst female Malaysian Muslim students in Manchester and Cardiff.  Thirty in-depth interviews were conducted with both undergraduate and postgraduate students from sciences and social sciences courses. Besides, in-depth interviews, participant observation, conversation and fieldnotes methods were deployed as supplementary for data collection.   Findings: This paper argues that cooking and eating together in a private space is a way for them to maintain social relationships and overcome stress in their studies, and fulfil their desire to create harmony and trust at home. Besides, places such as the kitchen, play an essential space in building the Malay identity and social relationships between female Malay students’ communities in the host country.   Contributions: This study has contributed to an understanding of the meaning of friendship, identity, space, and the discussion on the anthropology of food from international students’ perspectives and migration studies.   Keywords: Food and identity, commensality, Malay students, friendship, international students.   Cite as: Ibnu, I. N. (2022). The taste of home: The construction of social relationships through commensality amongst female Malay students in the United Kingdom. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 7(1), 316-334. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol7iss1pp316-334

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