Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Research Background and Significance-1

1.2 Composition of the Thesis-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-2

2.1 Previous Studies on Cross-cultural Adaptation-2

2.1.1 Development of Cross-cultural Adaptation Theory-2

2.1.2 Four Stages of Cross-cultural Adaptation-3

2.2 Previous Studies on Tourism and Culture-4

2.2.1 Western Studies on Tourism and Culture-4

2.2.2 Domestic Studies on Tourism and Culture-6

2.3 Summary-7

Chapter Three Barriers in Cross-cultural Adaptation- for Chinese travelers in America-8

3.1 Cross-cultural Adaptation Barriers in Different Ways-8

3.1.1 Barriers in Language-8

3.1.2 Barriers in Privacy-9

3.1.3 Barriers in Living Habits-10

3.1.4 Barriers in Politeness-11

3.1.5 Barriers in Time Perception-11

3.2 Reasons for the Barriers-12

3.2.1 Different Value Systems-12

3.2.2 Different Thinking Modes-12

3.2.3 Different Social Norms-13

3.3 Countermeasures to the Barriers-14

3.3.1 Improving Travelers’ Language Ability-14

3.3.2 Improving Multi-cultural Awareness -14

3.3.3 Learning about Different Cultures and Practicing-14

3.3.4 Overcoming Negative Emotions-15

Chapter Four Conclusion-16

References-17

Abstract

Cross-cultural adaptation is a hot issue in the area of cross-cultural research recently. Traveling, in fact, is also a typical process of cross-cultural adaptation. Only when this special cross-cultural phenomenon is fully understood and learnt can various barriers in cross-cultural adaptation be eliminated gradually. As a result, people or travelers can interact with each other more effectively.

This thesis focuses on the aspect of cross-cultural adaptation, and consists of four chapters. Chapter One is an overall introduction including research background and significance, and composition of this thesis. Chapter Two is the literature review about previous studies on cross-cultural adaptation and western and domestic studies on the relationship of tourism and culture. Chapter Three lists different types of barriers Chinese travelers may encounter when traveling in America. In addition, it discusses different cultural reasons for barriers, including thinking mode, social norms and values. At last, feasible countermeasures are pointed out accordingly. Chapter Four is a conclusion which summarizes the main ideas in this thesis and points out the limitations.

Traveling is a typical process of cross-cultural adaptation. In the year 2016, The Sino-US Tourism Year will be held. This thesis aims to provide some suggestions for Chinese travelers during overseas traveling practice, and help them adapt to different cultures. 

Keywords: traveling  cultural difference  cross-cultural adaptation