Social engagement and cross-cultural adaptation: An examination of direct- and mediated interpersonal communication activities of educated non-natives in the United States

This study explores whether or not technology-mediated interpersonal communication activities with co-ethnics weakens the vital role that direct social engagements with members of the host society play in the cross-cultural adaptation process. Grounded in Kim's integrative theory of cross-cultural adaptation, this study addresses this question through a detailed examination of the extent to which non-natives participate in face-to-face and mediated “host interpersonal communication” and “ethnic interpersonal communication” through dyadic relationships and organizational affiliations. The analysis utilizes portions of the quantitative and qualitative data obtained from in-depth interviews with 51 relatively well-educated foreign-born residents in the United States. The results indicate that: (1) technology-mediated forms of communication such as email and the Internet serve as the primary means for maintaining contacts with family and friends who remain in the country of origin; (2) non-natives are engaged predominantly in activities of host interpersonal communication rather than ethnic interpersonal communication; and (3) non-natives’ involvements in direct host interpersonal communication, but not their ethnic interpersonal communication, are significantly correlated with their functional and psychological well-being. These and related findings suggest the continuing primacy of non-natives’ direct social engagement with members of the host society in the cross-cultural adaptation process.

► The analysis utilizes data from interviews with 51 well-educated non-natives.
► Educated non-natives communicate mostly with native-born Americans.
► Technology-mediated channels are used to maintain ties in the country of origin.
► Active social engagements with Americans correlate with non-natives’ well-being.