Pengalaman Komunikasi Antarbudaya Mahasiswa Etnis Aceh Di Perantauan (Studi Fenomenologi Pengalaman Komunikasi Antar Budaya Mahasiswa Etnis Aceh Di Perantauan Dalam Menghadapi Culture Shock)

Abstract

Penelitian ini berangkat dari realitas mahasiswa Aceh yang menempuh pendidikan di berbagai daerah di Indonesia, khususnya di Kota Medan, dan menghadapi beragam tantangan komunikasi antarbudaya serta gejala culture shock dalam proses penyesuaian diri. Budaya Aceh yang dikenal religius, menjunjung kesopanan, dan memiliki nilai-nilai sosial yang kuat kerap berhadapan dengan budaya lokal yang lebih terbuka, lugas, dan ekspresif, sehingga memunculkan dinamika komunikasi yang tidak sederhana. Penelitian ini berpijak pada teori culture shock dari Oberg (1960), teori akulturasi Berry (1997), serta konsep kompetensi komunikasi antarbudaya yang dikemukakan oleh Gudykunst dan Kim (2003). Metode yang digunakan adalah pendekatan kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian fenomenologi, yang bertujuan memahami makna subjektif pengalaman mahasiswa Aceh selama beradaptasi di lingkungan perantauan. Data primer dikumpulkan melalui wawancara mendalam dengan mahasiswa Aceh yang berkuliah di Universitas Sumatera Utara, sedangkan data sekunder diperoleh dari literatur ilmiah, dokumentasi, dan penelitian terdahulu. Temuan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa mahasiswa Aceh melewati tahapan culture shock mulai dari fase awal, krisis, hingga penyesuaian. Tantangan utama meliputi perbedaan pola komunikasi, stereotip etnis, kendala bahasa, serta tuntutan beradaptasi tanpa kehilangan identitas budaya. Strategi adaptasi dilakukan melalui dukungan komunitas, penyesuaian komunikasi, dan penguatan kompetensi antarbudaya. This research is motivated by the phenomenon of Acehnese students who migrate to various cities in Indonesia, especially to Medan, and face the challenges of intercultural communication and symptoms of culture shock in the adaptation process. The strong, religious, and polite Acehnese cultural background often interacts with the more open and straightforward local culture, thus creating complex communication dynamics. This research is based on the culture shock theory of Oberg (1960), the acculturation theory of Berry (1997), and the concept of intercultural communication competence from Gudykunst & Kim (2003). The research approach uses a qualitative phenomenological method to explore the subjective meaning of the experiences of Acehnese students during the process of cultural adaptation in the migrant environment. Primary data were obtained through in-depth interviews with Acehnese students studying at the University of North Sumatra, while secondary data were obtained through various scientific literature, documentation, and relevant research. The results of the study indicate that Acehnese students experience stages of culture shock ranging from the honeymoon phase, crisis, and adjustment. The main challenges identified include differences in communication styles, ethnic stereotypes, language barriers, and the pressure to adapt to cultural values without losing their identity. Adaptation strategies used include seeking support from fellow Acehnese students, making communication adjustments, and gradually developing intercultural competence. The study's conclusion confirms that the process of adapting to intercultural communication among Acehnese students is a dynamic experience, influenced by cultural identity, social environment, and the ability to manage differences. This research is expected to contribute to the development of intercultural communication studies and mentoring strategies for students from other regions.