The study focuses on intercultural communication at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), where Vietnamese students study alongside local students, most of whom come from the Kaili ethnic group. The findings are important as Indonesian universities continue to attract more international students, increasing the need for effective cross-cultural interaction.
Cultural Differences Shape Campus Interaction
Indonesia’s cultural diversity is one of the richest in the world, with thousands of islands and hundreds of ethnic groups. In Central Sulawesi, the Kaili ethnic group is known for a direct and expressive communication style. This contrasts with many other cultures, including Vietnamese communication patterns, which can be more reserved in certain contexts.
These differences often lead to challenges in daily interactions. Language barriers, differences in tone, and contrasting social norms can create misunderstandings between students from different backgrounds. In some cases, these barriers cause international students to withdraw socially or limit their interactions.
The study notes that Vietnamese students initially tend to socialize within their own groups, which can unintentionally create social distance and even stereotypes between groups.
Method: In-Depth Qualitative Case Study
The research uses a qualitative case study approach grounded in a constructivist perspective. Instead of relying on numerical data, the researchers gathered insights through direct observation and interviews with selected students.
Participants were chosen purposively based on their willingness to share experiences and their active involvement in intercultural interactions. The analysis focused on understanding how students interpret and adapt to cultural differences in real-life situations.
Key Findings: Convergence as a Strategy for Adaptation
The study identifies convergence behavior as the main strategy used by Vietnamese students to adapt. Convergence refers to adjusting communication styles to become more similar to others in order to improve understanding.
Several key patterns emerged:
- Language adaptation: Vietnamese students increasingly use Indonesian to communicate with local students, even when their proficiency is limited.
- Collaborative interaction: Group assignments and classroom activities become opportunities to practice communication and build relationships.
- Mutual adjustment: Local students also adapt by simplifying language, inviting interaction, and encouraging inclusion.
- Reduced misunderstanding: As communication improves, the risk of misinterpretation and conflict decreases significantly.
According to Donal Adrian from Universitas Tadulako, this convergence is not only about language but also about adjusting attitudes and behaviors to create smoother interactions.
Culture Shock and Social Distance
The research also highlights the role of culture shock in shaping student behavior. Many Vietnamese students experience confusion, anxiety, and uncertainty when first adapting to a new cultural environment.
This condition can lead to:
- Reluctance to engage in social interaction
- Preference for familiar peer groups
- Fear of making communication mistakes
If not addressed, these challenges may contribute to stereotypes and social barriers between groups. However, the study shows that gradual adaptation and supportive interaction can reduce these effects over time.
Implications for Education and Campus Life
Building Inclusive Academic Communities
The study emphasizes that successful intercultural communication is not about eliminating differences but managing them effectively. Convergence behavior allows students to maintain their cultural identity while still building meaningful connections.
“Social interaction between Vietnamese and local students develops through adaptation in both perspective and behavior,” the researchers explain.
This insight reinforces the idea that communication is dynamic and shaped by context, relationships, and mutual understanding.
Author Profiles
- Donal Adrian – Lecturer and researcher in communication studies at Universitas Tadulako, specializing in intercultural communication
- Retnadumillah Saliha – Academic from Universitas Muhammadiyah Palu with expertise in social communication
- Chontina Siahaan – Researcher from Universitas Kristen Indonesia Jakarta focusing on communication science
- Edwan – Lecturer at Universitas Tadulako with interest in social and political communication
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