Culture Shock: an In-depth Look - Assignment Example

Most of us have, at various points in our lives, moved from one area to another, or left a community for another; thus, it is also inevitable that we also experience the associated culture shock. As Dr. Lalervo Oberg of the United States Operations Mission to Brazil put it (accessed 02/02/10), this is brought about by anxiety, which in turn is caused by being disconnected to things we have become familiar, comfortable, or at least secure with. And despite what most of us may think, says Dr. Dennis White (accessed 02/02/10), it is more complicated than just temporary disorientation, but a more profound reaction to various differences. This applies to most circumstances; whether it is a kid moving to a new neighborhood or an adult migrating to another country, it can still be considered culture shock due to their being placed in a new, unfamiliar environment. But while culture shock is not at all a pleasant experience, it also fades over time. That said, it is this paper’s objective to discuss culture shock, and to suggest solutions to ease/lessen it in light of various causes. Culture Shock: An In-depth Look The causes mentioned above are among the most common instances that induce culture shock, but the truth is that it need not be that dramatic. Even something relatively minor, like a child transferring schools or church groups, still counts. A child in such a situation undoubtedly experiences difficulties adjusting to his new environment; what used to be the norm in his old school, or what he had otherwise become accustomed to, may no longer be applicable in his current circumstances. Thus he feels awkward, left out, or even outright maligned for being ‘different’. In her slideshow presentation, Amanda Mitchener of the Canberra Institute of Technology (2008) describes culture shock as physical and/or emotional discomfort, brought about by one’s transfer to an environment different from that which one has become accustomed to. And as in the aforementioned example, the way of life that one has come to live by may no longer be acceptable or considered normal in that new environment. For instance, Americans are usually brought up to be more liberal and unfettered than those raised in other countries. When they migrate to more conservative countries (such as Saudi Arabia), some of their behavior may end up intriguing, irritating, or even offending others. Mitchener goes on to describe the stages of culture shock. The first, euphoria, can be likened to a newlywed couple on their honeymoon. Those in such a state are full of wonder and fascination at their new environment, seeing everything new they come across as something ‘wonderful’. Howard Culbertson (accessed 02/02/10) expounds on this, highlighting the excitement one feels at the prospect of meeting new people, experiencing new things, and encountering new opportunities. In addition, this researcher would also like to note that such feelings are similar to what tourists feel while on tour. They are fascinated and eager to meet the locals and go sightseeing, as well as to get a taste of what a typical day at that particular place is like. However, the reason they do not experience culture shock is because they know that they will only be there for a while; in contrast, those who do experience it know their stay is much more long-term. The next step is frustration, where the trauma and discomfort of relocating to a new environment finally sets in – the shock itself, according to the Australian Expats in America Support Community (accessed 02/02/10). During this stage, a sufferer of culture shock often experiences varying degrees of depression, drastic changes in one’s character, difficulty in concentrating, a general drop in self-esteem, and in general cry more often. In addition, his health suffers – headaches, stomachaches, and allergies have been known to occur at this stage. It is natural to long for one’s family and relatives at this point, although more extreme symptoms, such as loss of identity or lingering feelings of being exploited, are not impossible (Guanipa, 1998). This is also the stage one desires escape, or to return to one’s home. Thanks in part to the discomfort and trauma brought on by culture shock, the sufferer is at this point convinced that his culture – his way of life – is the only one worth living by, and is consequently more prone to taking offense at the slightest criticism. At this stage, anyone who so much as looks at a sufferer of culture shock funny is bound to be met with a great deal of hostility – because they have a hard time adjusting to the new environment, sufferers think that it and the locals are at fault. But the truth is that no one is at fault – all that is needed is a little tolerance. The third stage is where the assimilation begins. With the newbie/immigrant learning key aspects of the culture, the chaos and the confusion that had been observable up till that point will have all but disappeared. This is the point wherein one is able to really get to know the locals – as neighbors, colleagues, schoolmates – and even befriend them. One begins to learn the vocabulary and the language of the country. Most important of all is that, instead of observing the culture warily, the newbie begins to join in day-to-day activities himself. By the fourth stage, one will have fully integrated himself into his new community. He no longer thinks of himself as separate from the locals, and is therefore able to interact freely with them as he used to at home. Culture shock, in fact, can strike long before one has moved to a new environment – a fact most of us can probably attest to and noted by Simone Littlejohn of Swiss News (2004). It is definitely not easy to deal with, nor is it completely avoidable. But the above stages prove that not only can one deal with culture shock, such feelings are also temporary and will pass with them. Now that we have tackled just what happens when one experiences culture shock, next on the list are the ways to cope. Culture Shock: How to Deal It’s already been established that culture shock does pass, and that it can be eased. After all, since one will be in that particular place for quite a while, he might as well make the most of his situation, right? One Catholic prayer implores God for “serenity to accept things I cannot change” – in other words, while one cannot change the environment he is in, he can change how he reacts to it. The first, and most important step, is to acknowledge and maintain awareness of the culture shock one is experiencing (VolunteerAfrica.org, accessed 02/02/10); everything else can only come after that. As most of us know very well, it’s easy to lose oneself in a torrent of emotions – in this case, the fear, xenophobia, hostility, and emotional distress associated with culture shock – before one realizes it. But in acknowledging the culture shock, one will know what to expect to feel, and that such feelings are perfectly natural. This makes it easier to get over one’s negative emotions eventually. In other words, as stated in NAFSA’s International Student Handbook (accessed 02/02/10), know what to expect. Sharon C. de Hinojosa of TEFL Tips (2008) suggests a few ways to start coping. For instance, she suggests that those experiencing culture shock keep pictures of home close by, so they won’t miss it too much. She also suggests, among other things, being more patient with paperwork; that is, try not to be too impatient when waiting in line. It would also help to stop bringing around the guidebooks, brochures, and cameras while going about one’s business in the city – presumably because only tourists should ever have to use those. Most important would be to address the locals properly – not, for instance, with slow, halting English that might offend them. DiscoverAbroad.com, which caters to visitors to the United States, has similar advice (accessed 02/02/10), and begins by stating that the traveler/newcomer himself must act to make himself comfortable. He shouldn’t be too demanding of himself, and expect to get things right the first time. Even if, in that particular scenario, one’s English is excellent, other factors such as jet lag and simple unfamiliarity may make things difficult at first – which is to be expected. Given time, however, this will pass – and make it easier for one to deal with the other symptoms of culture shock. Also mentioned is the importance of keeping an open mind. This may seem like a no-brainer at first, but this is definitely hard in practice, not least because one will only have been away from home for a while. Specifically, it must be kept in mind that one’s own culture is not at all better worse than that of the host country, but merely different. In this way, one will be more open to trying new things. Krista L. Puente and Robyn Coombs of Florida Tech (accessed 02/02/10) also stress the importance of keeping busy. While it may seem to only add to one’s stress at first, being active most of the time helps divert one’s attention from the negative feelings associated with culture shock. More importantly, though, it should be noted that anyone would be more comfortable with his own customs and practices. What may seem outrageous to a foreigner may not be worth much notice to a local, specifically cuisine. Shows like Fear Factor like to have contestants eating food ranging from quite obviously grotesque and horrifying things – such as live worms and scorpions, for instance – to still-unusual but definitely more edible delicacies like fertilized duck embryo, which some countries consider to be a staple food. While the unfamiliar might disgust, repel, and even terrify a newbie at first, the time will definitely come that such things will no longer faze him. KidsHealth.org (2006) also cites a crucial point: getting help. Most people forget that there are sympathetic people around them who can relate to the culture shock they are currently experiencing, and may have advice as to how to deal with it. Sufferers of culture shock are therefore highly recommended to talk to their family, counselors (where applicable), or even their new friends, in order to cope with the difficulty of leaving home. As already mentioned above, culture shock occurs partly because one is traumatized by the idea of leaving home, for fear of loneliness in his new environment. Having new friends to talk to, however, would be the biggest proof of all that he won’t feel lonely there. The same site also notes that severing ties to one’s own culture is not the way to cope with culture shock. While the pressure of fitting in somewhere may be great, it need not mean that one needs to change himself completely so as not to stand out. In fact, such desperation to fit in may be looked down upon, scorned, and mocked – and end with one derided as a second-rate, trying-hard copycat, as mentioned in a certain soap opera. Ultimately, such actions will make it all the harder to get over culture shock. Instead, it is highly recommended that one educate those interested about his own culture, what things were like where he came from, so that they could understand and get to know him more. It is also important to keep in touch with one’s home so that one will not be too homesick, and to establish connections with a support group of sorts – presumably fellow expats who happen to live in the same neighborhood. Conclusion To be sure, experiencing culture shock is hardly a walk in the park. The adjustment, coupled with all the fears and apprehensions about one’s new environment, usually seems too much to deal with at first. It often happens that within the first few days of its onset, one will be screaming about how he wants to go home, or something similar. But as explained above, culture shock is only temporary; it will pass eventually. The only question is the period of time before it does, and most can assent that it is better for culture shock to pass sooner than later. Besides, as said by Dr. Eliot C. Heher (2005), we are more than capable of coming out better from it – we gain a better grasp of forgiveness, pride, respect, and acceptance. And while the path may be difficult, the end is more than worth it. Works Cited Australian Expats in America Support Community The Five Stages of Culture Shock 02 Feb 10, Mates Up-Over, 2007. Web. 02 February 2010. Culbertson, Howard Understanding culture stress: Coping with culture shock Southern Nazarene University, Janaury 2010. Web. 02 February 2010. Culture Shock NAFSA International Student Handbook. 2010. De Hinojosa, Sharon C. Dealing with Culture Shock TEFL Tips, June 2008. Web. 02 February 2010. DiscoverAbroad Avoiding Culture Shock DiscoverAbroad.com, 2001. Web. 02 February 2010. Guanipa, Carmen Culture Shock 17 Mar 98, Amigos, March 1998. Web. 02 February 2010. Heher, Eliot C. Coping with Culture Shock SquareMouth, 21 October 2005. Web. 02 February 10. Kingsley, Richard S. & Dakhari, J. Culture Shock, KidsHealth.org, Jan 2006. Web. 02 February 2010. Littlejohn, Simone "Culture Shock." Swiss News, (2004): 1-4. Print. Metchener, Amanda (2007)Culture Shock!!! Canberra Institute of Technology, 2007. Oberg, Lalervo Culture Shock & the Problem of Adjustment to New Cultural Environments 2009. Web. 02 February 2010. Puente, Krista L. & Coombs, Robyn "Culture Shock" Florida Institute of Technology, Counseling and Psychological Services: 1-2. Print. VolunteerAfrica Culture Shock VolunteerAfrica.org, July 2000. Web. 02 Feb 2010. White, Dennis Culture Shock Rotary Youth Exchange. 2010. Read More