DARI MATA TURUN KE BUDAYA | Komunikasi Lintas Budaya | Project Film Pendek

Summary

In this video transcript, two students discuss their struggles with their thesis under the supervision of their professor, Bu Hana. The students face difficulties with linking their research background and literature review, causing frustration. The professor, however, seems to misinterpret their lack of eye contact during their meetings, assuming it's a sign of disrespect. The conversation reveals a cultural misunderstanding between Indonesian and Western norms regarding eye contact. The students' mentor suggests that they respect Bu Hana's Western-influenced communication style and advises them to make eye contact during future meetings to improve their relationship and progress.

Takeaways

• 😀 The students are seeking guidance on their thesis (skripsi) and have made some revisions.
• 😀 The supervisor (Bu Hana) points out that the research background and research argument are not properly connected in the thesis.
• 😀 The students seem frustrated as their revisions still do not meet the expectations of their supervisor.
• 😀 Bu Hana, who has lived abroad for an extended period, expects students to maintain eye contact during discussions as a sign of respect.
• 😀 The students, however, come from a cultural background where making eye contact with authority figures is considered impolite.
• 😀 There is a misunderstanding between the students and Bu Hana due to differing cultural norms regarding eye contact.
• 😀 Pak, a third party, explains the cultural difference and provides a solution for the students to adapt to Bu Hana’s expectations.
• 😀 Pak explains that in Western culture, eye contact is seen as a sign of respect, but in Indonesian culture, avoiding eye contact with elders or authority figures shows respect.
• 😀 The issue between the students and Bu Hana is framed as a simple cultural misunderstanding rather than a deeper academic issue.
• 😀 Pak suggests that the students should maintain eye contact with Bu Hana during their next supervision meeting to align with her cultural expectations.

Q & A

What is the main issue the students are facing in their thesis work?

The students are struggling with the connection between the research objectives and the background of their thesis, as their work lacks proper alignment between these two elements.

Why is the supervisor, Bu Hana, frustrated with the students' thesis?

Bu Hana is frustrated because the research objectives and the background of the thesis are not properly connected, which makes the students' work appear disorganized and lacking development.

What are the differences between research objectives and background, as mentioned by Bu Hana?

Research objectives refer to the specific goals and focus of the study, while the background provides context and rationale for the research. Bu Hana emphasizes that the two should be clearly linked in a thesis.

How do the students respond to Bu Hana's feedback?

The students acknowledge the feedback and explain that they have already revised their thesis. However, they feel uncertain and frustrated as the revisions still don't meet Bu Hana's expectations.

What cultural misunderstanding does Bu Hana have regarding the students' behavior?

Bu Hana feels that the students are not respecting her because they avoid eye contact during their interactions. She interprets this as a sign of disrespect, but this is a misunderstanding based on cultural differences.

How does Pak explain the students' behavior to Bu Hana?

Pak explains that the students' behavior is based on Indonesian cultural norms, where avoiding eye contact with elders or authority figures is considered respectful. He suggests that Bu Hana's expectations are shaped by her experiences abroad, where eye contact is seen as a sign of respect.

What advice does Pak give to the students regarding their future meetings with Bu Hana?

Pak advises the students to maintain eye contact with Bu Hana during future meetings as a sign of respect, understanding that Bu Hana's cultural background from living abroad influences her perception of eye contact.

What is the core issue that needs to be resolved between Bu Hana and the students?

The core issue is the cultural difference in the interpretation of eye contact. Bu Hana views it as disrespectful to avoid eye contact, while the students are following their own cultural norms, where avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect for authority.

How does Pak help to resolve the conflict between Bu Hana and the students?

Pak provides insight into the cultural differences that influence both Bu Hana's and the students' behaviors, helping them understand each other better and suggesting that the students adapt to Bu Hana's expectations in the context of eye contact.

What lesson can be learned from this situation about cross-cultural communication?

The situation highlights the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences in communication. In this case, what may seem like disrespect in one culture can be a sign of respect in another, and awareness of these differences can help resolve misunderstandings.