Interrogating Intercultural Communication in the Context of Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions: A Socio-Psychological Analysis of the Film ‘The Farewell’

Abstract

In today's academic research, both cross-cultural communication and the psychology of language have been extensively studied, yet research combining the two to explore phenomena in cross-cultural communication through the lens of psycholinguistics is not common. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the psychological dynamics of cross-cultural communication, focusing on Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory and applying theories of psycholinguistics to further investigate the psychological dynamics and subconscious influences in this cross-cultural process. Through an in-depth analysis of the movie "The Farewell," this research explores how cultural backgrounds influence individuals' and collectives' attitudes towards uncertainty and ambiguity, as well as the psychological reasons behind cultural dimensions. The movie primarily discusses the story of a Chinese-American protagonist, Billi, whose grandmother in China is terminally ill and unaware of her condition, around which a faux wedding is organized as a reason to visit her. This study deeply investigates the issue of the right to end-of-life information and other cultural conflicts presented in the film. Utilizing Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory, it delves into individualism versus collectivism, power distance, long-term versus short-term orientation, and uncertainty avoidance, to understand their impact on communication styles, emotional expression, and decision-making processes. The paper highlights the necessity of integrating cultural sensitivity and psychological flexibility in global interactions, contributing to a broader discourse on cultural psychology.