Adaptation

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At the stage of adaptation persons have the skills and experience to deal with cultural contrasts effectively. They are able to adapt their behaviour and communication to the other culture and their values. Interaction with humans who have different beliefs and values is largely stress-free.

People who reached this stage consider cultures as a process of interacting instead of something static. They have developed cultural empathy and act according to the rule: Treat others as you wish to be treated yourself.

At this point, persons are able to consciously shift perspective into alternative cultural world views and to act in culturally appropriate ways in a variety of situations. They have the competence to shift into different frames without much effort.

Categories become more flexible and permeable and can be adapted as and when required.

Developmental Tasks

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The learning objective at this stage of thee DMIS is to widen and deepen the reference shifting skills. Models of cultural adaptation and cultural shock can be introduced. Furthermore, people should discuss advanced cultural topics (e.g. cultural contrasts in the sense of humor). They are prepared to deal with models of ethnic identity and intercultural sensitivity.

Persons who reached this level can be encouraged to learn autonomously, using cultural informants and developing independent research strategies. The can use opportunities to interact in previously unexplored cultural contexts.

At this point, deeper anxiety issues (e.g. internal cultural confusion, identity conflicts) can be addressed.

Intercultural skills to be further developed are empathy, problem-solving competences, interaction management and flexibility.

Adaptation

Developmental Tasks

Project Partners