ISANA

Dr Stanley Winter Theron and Clark Liu Wengang

Abstract: This paper critically assesses the general problems enhancing international student communication, “Global
Village” general problem!
As in all human communication, interaction between local and “foreign” students can be problematic on a
variety of real or perceived levels, and includes factors such as “host and guest cultures”, age and interest
levels as well as cultural switching between including “host and guest cultures”
This is also closely related to the relationship and interaction between cultures, languages and thinking.
“Guests” have to progress in “host” culture thinking, hearing and speaking. “Hosts” tend to arrogantly expect
“guests” to assimilate and integrate regarding the “host” culture.
Lack of understanding on either limits open dialogue to superficialities. More than one “guest” at the table
aggravates the problem.
There are various stages in such interaction, each with its positives and negatives, but all have to be placed in
the wider context of the relation between culture, thought and language.
“Integration” could be a major be a major stumbling block in fostering open interaction and inter-cultural
enrichment in “Global Town”.
From this preliminary approach a few practical guidelines could be suggested but further theoretical but
especially practical input is necessary on many of these respects.

Key Words: International student, interaction, integration, language and thought and culture, globalisation, “global
village”, “cultural switching”, “language switching

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