Communication snags and socialization between foreigners and cleaners at AUCA
Purpose:The study aimed to explore communication challenges between foreign guests and cleaners at the Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA), focu sing on how language barriers and cultural differences hinder meaningful social interaction on campus.
Method: Using a qualitative approach, the study employed semi-structured interviews and participant observation to examine the real-life communication experiences of 15 purposively selected participants from three AUCA campuses.
Results:The results showed that most cleaners struggle with English and French, while foreign guests do not speak Kinyarwanda. This linguistic gap leads to misunderstandings, emotional detachment, and avoidance of interaction. Both groups expressed frustration and a desire for language training to bridge the divide.
Limitations: A key limitation was the small sample size and the study’s focus on one university, which restricts the generalization of findings to broader contexts. Social desirability may also have influenced participants’ responses.
Novelty: This study is among the first to highlight the communication struggles between cleaners and foreign guests in a Rwandan university setting, emphasizing the need for inclusive language training and intercultural engagement.
Key words: Cleaners, foreigners, multilingualism, communication, socialization
