Intercultural Friendship Formation: the case of Japanese students at an Australian university

Abstract

This paper takes up some of the central issues in the study of intercultural interpersonal relationships. It examines the perceptions of intercultural friendship formation among Japanese students studying at an Australian university. Through an interpretive analysis of individual interviews, the study delineates the students' concepts of friendship and identifies the following factors in the development of intercultural friendship: (1) frequent contact, which is subdivided into propinquity and shared networks, (2) similarity of personal characteristics and age, (3) self-disclosure, which is composed of spoken English skills and openness of communication, and (4) receptivity of other nationals, involving the sub-factors of cross-cultural orientation and empathy. The findings highlight some of the theoretical and methodological issues raised by Gareis (Journal of Intercultural Studies, 21(1), pp. 67–91, 2000a) relevant to the role of communication in the processes of friendship formation. A clearer knowledge of these processes might assist in promoting greater intercultural contact and understanding in universities and colleges.