Cultural Adaptation in the U.S.: A Case Study of a Thai Naval Attaché’s Cross-Cultural Experiences

Abstract

            In an era of increased global mobility, understanding effective cultural adaptation processes has become essential in various fields, including the military. Thai naval attachés, like other foreign diplomats, must build and maintain relationships with individuals who often have diverse beliefs, practices, and cultural attitudes. This requires a high level of sensitivity, adaptability, and strong communication skills in order to navigate their roles effectively. This study, grounded in a narrative inquiry approach, aimed to examine the linguistic and cultural challenges encountered by a Thai naval attaché while navigating his social and professional life in the United States. Additionally, it sought to identify the strategies employed to bridge cultural differences and facilitate successful integration into the host environment. A semi-structured interview was utilized to capture the attaché's narratives, which were then analyzed using content analysis consisting of four stages: compilation, decontextualization, recontextualization, and categorization.
            The findings revealed that cross-cultural adaptation is a complex and ongoing process. It involves overcoming challenges such as societal divides, language barriers, racial discrimination, and unfamiliar social norms. This process requires an open mind, a proactive approach to bridging cultural differences, and a commitment to continuous learning through cultural immersion. Additionally, cultural adaptation does not necessitate full assimilation but rather calls for a balance between maintaining one’s cultural identity while embracing aspects of the host culture. The findings also underlined the importance of cultural knowledge, adaptability, as well as the need to challenge cultural stereotypes. This study provides valuable insights for individuals and training institutions engaged in global interactions by offering guidance and developing more effective strategies for adaptation and fostering meaningful interactions in diverse environments.