Dealing with culture shock

Dealing with culture shock

culture shock

• Culture shock  is an experience a person may have when one moves to a cultural environment which is different from one's own; it is also the personal disorientation a person may feel when experiencing an unfamiliar way of life due to immigration or a visit to a new country, a move between social environments, or simply transition to another type of life. [1]  One of the most common causes of culture shock involves individuals in a foreign environment.

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Common problems include: 

• information overload 
• language barrier 
• generation gap
•   technology gap
• skill interdependence
• Formulation dependency, 
• homesickness (cultural), boredom (job dependency),
• response ability (cultural skill set).

The 5 stages of culture shock are:

• The honeymoon stage.
• Hostility and  irritability .
• Gradual adjustment.
• Adaptation.
• Re-entry travel shock.

Negotiation

• After some time (usually around three months, depending on the individual), differences between the old and new culture become apparent and may create anxiety. Excitement may eventually give way to unpleasant feelings of frustration and anger as one continues to experience unfavorable events that may be perceived as strange and offensive to one's cultural attitude. Language barriers, stark differences in public hygiene, traffic safety, food accessibility and quality may heighten the sense of disconnection from the surroundings.

Honeymoon

• During this period, the differences between the old and new culture are seen in a romantic light. For example, in moving to a new country, an individual might love the new food, the pace of life, and the locals' habits. During the first few weeks, most people are fascinated by the new culture. They associate with nationals who speak their language, and who are polite to the foreigners. Like most honeymoon periods, this stage eventually ends.

Adjustment

• Again, after some time (usually 6 to 12 months), one grows accustomed to the new culture and develops routines. One knows what to expect in most situations and the host country no longer feels all that new. One becomes concerned with basic living again, and things become more "normal". One starts to develop problem-solving skills for dealing with the culture and begins to accept the culture's ways with a positive attitude. The culture begins to make sense, and negative reactions and responses to the culture are reduced.

answer and question

• What is culture shock Have you ever experienced culture shock?
• What is the culture shock in college?
• How does culture shock affect society?
• What are the types of culture shock?
• What are the 5 stages of culture shock?

Homework

• Find information about culture shock (example) and write it (50-84)
• Find information about culture shock (example) and tell about it (85-90)
• three students can make a presentation (86-100)