STRATEGI KOMUNIKASI ANTAR BUDAYA MAHASISWA PENDATANG DALAM PROSES ADAPTASI SOSIAL (Studi Kasus Pada Mahasiswa Pendatang Papua Di Kota Malang)

Communication and culture are two closely interrelated aspects. Cultural diversity impacts various communication practices, and in interactions, understanding context is crucial. A case study of the experiences of Papuan students in Malang shows how they use strategies such as negotiating their identity, respecting local rules, and adapting their language using the Coordination of Meaning Theory (CMM), in the context of intercultural communication. This study aims to understand the intercultural communication strategies used by Papuan students in the process of social adaptation in Malang City. The type of research used in this study uses a qualitative method with a case study approach with data collection techniques in the form of observation, interviews, and literature studies. The result of this study indicate that the five informants had initial anxiety in intercultural communication until they made coordination efforts (language adjustments) and had their own coherence achievments (how to deal with challenges and obstacles) also showed that Papuan students used convergence strategies to improve coordination of meaning and shared understanding with the local community. The conclusion in this study is that Papuan students adapt in Malang through language, manners, and socio-cultural participation.