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Culture Shock
    Good morning,everybody. Today we are going to talk about culture shock. (1) Culture shock refers to the difficulty people have adjusting to a new culture that differs markedly from their own.
    The shock of moving to a foreign country often consists of distinct phases, though not everyone passes through these phases and not everyone is in the new culture long enough to pass through all. There are no fixed symptoms ascribed to culture shock as each person is affected differently.
    The first phase is often named as honeymoon phase. During this period the differences between the old and new culture are seen in a romantic light,wonderful and new. For example, in moving to a new country, an individual might love the new foods, the pace of the life,the people’s habits,the buildings and so on. During the first few weeks most people are fascinated by the new culture. They associate with the nationals that speak their language and are polite to the foreigners. (2) This period is full of observations and new discoveries. Like many honeymoons this stage eventually ends.
    When an individual sets out to study, live or work in a new country, he or she will invariably experience difficulties with language,housing,friends,school,work. (4) After some time, usually three months but it may be sooner or later depending on the individual, differences between the old and new culture become apparent and may create anxiety. That sense of excitement will eventually give way to new and unpleasant feelings of frustration and anger as you continue to have unfavorable encounters that strike you as strange, offensive and unacceptable. One may long for food the way it is prepared in one’s native country, may find the pace of life too fast or slow, may find the people’s habits annoying, disgusting and irritating etc. (3) This phase is often called negotiation phase, which is marked by mood swings caused by minor issues or without apparent reason. This is where excitement turns to disappointment and more and more differences start to occur. Depression is not uncommon.
    Again,after some time of usually 6-12 months, one enters the adjustment phase in which 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 ways with a positive attitude. The culture begins to make sense, and negative reactions and responses to the culture are reduced. Reaching this stage requires a constructive response to culture shock with effective means of adaptation.
    With this gradual adaptation,people get to the final phase—mastery phase. In the mastery stage assignees are able to participate fully and comfortably in the host culture. Mastery does not mean total conversion,and people are capable of not adopting some aspects of the host culture. (6) It is often referred to as the biculturalism stage.
    In addition, we also have to mention reverse culture shock, which is also called " re-entry shock" , or " own culture shock". It may take place—returning to one’s home culture after growing accustomed to a new one can produce the same effects as described above. This results from the psychosomatic and psychological consequences of the readjustment process to the primary culture. (8) The affected person often finds this more surprising and difficult to deal with than the original culture shock.
    Culture shock has many different effects, time spans, and degrees of severity. Many people are handicapped by its presence and don’t recognize what is bothering them. There are mainly three basic outcomes of the adjustment;
    Firstly,some people find it impossible to accept the foreign culture and integrate. They isolate themselves from the host country’s environment, which they come to perceive as hostile,withdraw into a "ghetto"and see return to their own culture as the only way out. These "Rejectors" also have the greatest problems re-integrating back home after return.
    Secondly, some people integrate fully and take on all parts of the host culture while losing their original identity. They normally remain in the host country forever. This group is sometimes know as "Adopters".
    Finally, some people manage to adapt the aspects of the host culture they see as positive, while keeping some of their own and creating their unique blend. They have no major problems returning home or relocating elsewhere. This group can be thought to be somewhat cosmopolitan.
    Culture shock is a subcategory of a more universal construct called transition shock. Transition shock is a state of loss and disorientation predicated by a change in one’s familiar environment which requires adjustment. There are many different symptoms of transition shock, some of which include; excessive concern over cleanliness and health,feelings of helplessness and withdrawal,irritability,glazed stare,desire for home and old friends, physiological stress reactions, homesickness, boredom, getting "stuck" on one thing, excessive sleep, compulsive eating, drinking, or weight gain, stereotyping host nationals,hostility towards host nationals,etc.
    Culture Shock can not only occur after a honeymoon phase, but directly upon arrival in the country. You may immediately begin to miss your home country, even things you didn’t like about it, and miss your home foods, family .friends, etc. It is not advisable to sleep excessively, isolate yourself, or have anger towards your host people. You should write,spend time with the host family,or people,and try to adjust yourself to the culture—including eating even if you are not hungry, sleeping at normal times—not when you feel you should, and adjusting yourself to the time change. (10) Though these solutions may not work on everybody, you should try hard. This is the end of our lecture. Thank you!