Familiar Paradox: Bruneian Linguistic and Cultural Adjustments in Malaysia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35307/saltel.v9i2.186Keywords:
Cultural proximity, student, adjustment, adaptation, cross-culturalAbstract
This study explores the cross-border adjustment experiences of Bruneian students studying and interning in Malaysia. Although Malaysia is often perceived a familiar environment for Bruneians due to geographical proximity, shared Malay language, Islamic familiarity and frequent tourist mobility. This study examines how these assumptions shaped and conflicted with the participants lived experiences. Using a qualitative descriptive design, semi-structured interviews on 15 Bruneian students in Malaysian higher education institutions or student-related placements. The data was analysed using Thematic Analysis. The findings revealed that prior visits did not fully prepare students for long-term adjustments and shared Malay also did not always create mutual seamless social adaptation. Over time, student adjustment contributed to independence, confidence and professional readiness.
Downloads
References
Abd Malek, S. N., & Ahmad, A. L. (2023). International Students’ Academic Adjustment in Private Universities in Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Communication, 39(4) (2023), 224–246.
Ahmad, S. Z., Buchanan, F. R., & Ahmad, N. (2016). Examination of students’ selection criteria for international education. International Journal of Educational Management, 30(6), 1088–1103. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-11-2014-0145
Ashwan, F., & Mumin, M. A. (2024). A Study on Factors Affecting University Students’ Perception Towards Online Learning Post COVID-19. JOURNAL OF CURRICULUM AND TEACHING, 13(5), 413.
Beine, M., Noël, R., & Ragot, L. (2014). Determinants of the international mobility of students. Economics of Education Review, 41, 40–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econedurev.2014.03.003
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Brgles, M., Dierckx, C., Hannes, K., Hendricks, L., Huhnen, M., Gemignani, M., Swift, A., Van Goidsenhoven, L., & Vrebos, H. (2022). The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research Design: Being Creative with Resources in Qualitative Research (pp. 290–306). https://doi.org/10.4135/9781529770278.n19
Brunsting, N. C., Zachry, C., & Takeuchi, R. (2018). Predictors of undergraduate international student psychosocial adjustment to US universities: A systematic review from 2009-2018. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 66, 22–33.
Burgoon, J. K. (1993). Interpersonal expectations, expectancy violations, and emotional communication. Journal of Language and Social Psychology, 12(1–2), 30–48. https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X93121003
Cao, C., & Meng, Q. (2022). A systematic review of predictors of international students’ cross-cultural adjustment in China: Current knowledge and agenda for future research. Asia Pacific Education Review, 23(1), 45–67. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-021-09700-1
Deterding, D., & Athirah, I. (2017). Brunei Malay. Journal of the International Phonetic Association, 47(1), 99–108. JSTOR.
Erturk, S., & Luu, L. A. N. (2022). Adaptation of Turkish international students in Hungary and the United States: A comparative case study. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 86, 1–13. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2021.10.006
Giles, H. (2016). Communication Accommodation Theory. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118766804.wbiect056
Gullahorn, J. T., & Gullahorn, J. E. (1963). An Extension of the U-Curve Hypothesis. Journal of Social Issues, 19(3), 33–47. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.1963.tb00447.x
He, L., & Fei, Y. (2025). Familiar yet distant: Cultural proximity and the role of social media in the acculturation of Malaysian-Chinese students in China. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 109, 102304. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102304
Hemsley-Brown, J., & Oplatka, I. (2015). University choice: What do we know, what don’t we know and what do we still need to find out? International Journal of Educational Management, 29(3), 254–274. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-10-2013-0150
Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture’s consequences: International differences in work-related values. Beverly Hills.
Isik, O. (2025). Qualitative Research Approaches and Data Collection Methods: Understanding Meaning and Experience. Journal of Humanities and Education Development, 7, 19–32. https://doi.org/10.22161/jhed.7.6.3
Kim, Y. Y. (2000). Becoming intercultural: An integrative theory of communication and cross-cultural adaptation. Sage Publications.
Kim, Y. Y. (2017). Stress–Adaptation–Growth Dynamic. In The International Encyclopedia of Intercultural Communication (pp. 1–6). John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118783665.ieicc0071
Korobova, N., & Starobin. (2012). A comparative study of student engagement, satisfaction, and academic success among international and American students. Iowa State University.
Lu, W., Tamayo-Verleene, K., Søderberg, A.-M., Puffer, S., & Meschke, S. (2024). Exploring the mediating role of cross-cultural adjustment in international student satisfaction. Social Sciences & Humanities Open. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101122
Masgoret, A.-M., & Ward, C. (2006). Culture learning approach to acculturation. In The Cambridge Handbook of Acculturation Psychology (pp. 58–77). https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511489891.008
Mclellan, J., & Deterding, D. (2016). The language situation in Brunei Darussalam (pp. 9–16).
Mesidor, J. K., & Sly, K. F. (2015). Factors that contribute to the adjustment of international students. Journal of International Students, 6(1), 262–282.
Mumin, M. A., & Padilla-Valdez, N. (2023a). Managing heutagogy during COVID-19 pandemic via virtual learning and its impact on Academic Identity Status and Communities of Practice(COP). ResearchGate.Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369625653_Managing_Heutagogy_during_COVID19_Pandemic_via _Virtual_Learning_and_its_impact_on_Academic_Identity_Status_and_Communities_of_Practice_COP
Mumin, M. A. (2023b). The application of code-switching, code-mixing, and the need for bilingual pedagogy in Brunei religious (ugama) schools: A qualitative study involving generation X and millennial teachers. World Journal of English Language, 13(8), 523-531. https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v13n8p523
Mumin, M. A. (2022). International postgraduates’ perception on Academic Writing: A lesson on criticality.
World Journal of English Language, 12(4), 1-46.
Mumin, M.A., Ahmad, A., Yusof, H.N., Rahim, A.& Afdanzian, N. (2025). Communicative Language Attitude and Language Choices of Bruneian Youths, Forum for Linguistic Studies,7(7),540-564. http://dx.doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i7.9996
Mustaffa, C. S., & Illias, M. (2013). Relationship between Students Adjustment Factors and Cross Cultural Adjustment: A Survey at the Northern University of Malaysia. Intercultural Communication Studies, 22(1).
Myklebust, J. P. (2026, March). More students are studying abroad and are choosing Europe. https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20260312123325624
Nada, C., Avery, H., & Legutko, J. (2026). The relationship between mobility and language: Experiences of international students in Europe. Language Awareness, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/09658416.2026.2672482
Ovchinnikova, E., Mol, C. V., & Jones, E. (2023). The role of language proximity in shaping international student mobility flows. Globalisation, Societies and Education, 21(4), 563–574. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767724.2022.2070132
Periasamy, D. M. (2024). Malaysia Tourism Statistics in Brief 2024. Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia. https://data.tourism.gov.my/frontend/pdf/New_Final_Malaysia%20Tourism%20Statistics%20in%20Brief%202024.pdf
Pg Hj Idris, P. D. S. R. (2021). Cultural Values and Its Influence on the Enactment of Leadership in Public Sector Organisations: A Case Research in Brunei. International Journal of Asian Business and Information Management, 12, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJABIM.20211001.oa1
Rienties, B., & Tempelaar, D. (2013). The role of cultural dimensions of international and Dutch students on academic and social integration and academic performance in the Netherlands. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 37(2), 188–201.
Searle, W., & Ward, C. (1990). The prediction of psychological and sociocultural adjustment during cross-cultural transitions. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 14(4), 449–464. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/0147-1767(90)90030-Z
Shafaei, A., & Razak, N. A. (2016). International postgraduate students’ cross-cultural adaptation in Malaysia: Antecedents and outcomes. Research in Higher Education, 57(6), 739–767.
Sharbawi, S., & Zainal Abidin, Z. (2024). English in Brunei (pp. 171–185). https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780192855282.013.7
Tisdell, E. J., Merriam, S. B., & Stuckey-Peyrot, H. L. (2025). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. John Wiley & Sons.
Tomás-Miquel, J.-V., & Capó-Vicedo, J. (2022). Beyond cultural and geographical proximity: Delving into the factors that influence the dynamics of academic relationships between students in higher education. Higher Education, 83(5), 1143–1162. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-021-00734-3
UNESCO. (2025). Record Number of Higher Education Students Highlights Global Need For Recognition of Qualifications. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/record-number-higher-education-students-highlights-global-need-recognition-qualifications
Ward, C., & Kennedy, A. (1999). The measurement of sociocultural adaptation. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 23(4), 659–677. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/S0147-1767(99)00014-0
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Nurizzatul Sukirman, Shana Mat Salleh
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
