Transition Shock as Tool of Integration

Abstract

This paper aims to apply the recent approaches of intercultural interactions between minority-majority groups upon the historical acculturative phases of Sino-Muslims. Muslims in China departed their ghettos during Yuan/Mongol reign (1279-1368A.D) and got acquainted with Chinese culture at larger scale hence we contend that it was the period of ‘transition shock’ for them, to apply Alder’s phrase; as they were not only familiarized with the Chinese society but also revisited their new identity amidst a new people thus underwent a process of change revising their ‘self-understanding’. This cultural shock later propelled them to ‘integration’ during Ming (1368-1644A.D) thus served as a tool of their integration in China. Taking the Berry’s model of acculturation, we suggest the early Mongol’s was a period of ‘contact’ between the two cultures i.e. Islam and China whereas late Mongol and early Ming was characterized with ‘conflict’ and finally Ming age was the period of ‘adaptation’..