Komunikasi Akomodasi Mahasiswa Thailand dengan Masyarakat Jawa di Lingkungan Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS)

Differences in perspective, way of thinking, or way of seeing something are forms of intercultural communication. Intercultural communication takes place through language and customs such as religious ceremonies, cultural symbols, and community behavioral guidelines. Language is closely related to the process of social interaction in humans. This study was conducted to determine how language influences intercultural communication of Thai students in the Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (UMS) environment. Thai students who are always faced with uncertainty between their customs and the traditions of Javanese society, if they temporarily live around UMS must adapt. Moreover, with the language element that tends to be guided by the provisions of norms and social status of Javanese society which is still very strong. So Thai students will emphasize respect and politeness in encouraging cultural exchange. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. The data collection method used in this study is in-depth interviews. The informants in this study were five Thai students who were obtained using purposive sampling techniques, were aware of customs, and lived in the Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (UMS) environment. The researcher found that the obstacles and problems faced by Thai students when conducting intercultural communication with the Javanese community were the lack of ability of Thai students to assess cultural differences. In addition to being a strategy for intercultural communication, the language element in the informant's experience became a means of assessing cultural differences in a participatory manner. The process of forming views experienced by the informant showed two principles of intercultural communication. The communication strategies carried out include building effective communication with the community.