Auto-Bio/Ethnography as a Curriculum in Cross-Culture Communication: A Voice from the Other Shore

Abstract

In an increasingly globalized and multicultural world, authentic auto-bio/ethnographic travel accounts have become representations of the social, cultural, historical, and political intricacies in cross-culture communication. In this research study, I critically analyze three excerpts from my diary narrated in the form of short stories in order to answer two research questions: How do cultures shape our personalities? And, what factors influence cross-culture communication of the “Self” and the “Other?” I selected the Thematic Analysis method in Narrative Analysis to  analyze my three narratives. The narrative analysis resulted in three themes: cultural identities, appearance and reality, and bridging the gaps. I argue that being an Arab, Muslim, female with hijab (hair scarf) in the U.S. after 9/11 creates a complex experience in cross-culture communication.  I conclude that international students’ auto-bio/ethnography travel accounts can be implemented as a curriculum to celebrate our similarities and respect and appreciate our differences.

Key words: Auto-bio/ethnography; Curriculum; Self actualization; Cultural agent; Hijab