The Shock of Culture

Culture, Globalization and Culture Shock

Culture is a fascinating thing. It wraps up everything that we naturally take for granted as being normal, appropriate and reasonable. Our basic assumptions about our beliefs, language, behaviour and way of life are defined by our understanding of our own culture. More particularly it is defined by the customs, ceremonies and traditions that we embrace in a particular place at a particular time and extends to the arts, music, literature, technology, gender roles, perceptions, and our approach to work, time, relationships, personal space and education.

Most of us are born into and raised in one particular culture. Generally we spend our childhoods learning about our culture. Some of us then pass through a phase of rebelling against it whereby we embrace a sub or counter culture, before accepting the mainstream culture and passing it onto the next generation.

Cultures are not static. Just like languages, cultures are constantly evolving. We might practice some of the same customs and traditions that our ancestors did, but inevitably even the way we perform these customs and traditions has changed over the years. The cultural practices that were predominant a thousand years ago are different to those of today. However, even the cultural experience of my grandmother was significantly different to mine and that of my mother. For example, even though we have all celebrated Christmas, the traditions have evolved, as have the gender roles practiced inside our homes and the technology that we use on the 25th December.

Globalization
In accordance with the process of change, we now find ourselves in a time when a new concept is spinning around the world; globalization. Imagine a world where the barriers to trans-world contact are being reduced, faster than most of us can even appreciate. That is the reality of today, where people become more able to engage with each other in “one world”, whether it be physically, legally, culturally or psychologically. Globalization is all about global connections. Fast travelling aeroplanes transport people and cargo to the other side of the planet within a day. Telephone and computers networks enable immediate interpersonal communication between points all across the globe. Electronic mass media broadcast information to world wide audiences. Goods are manufactured through trans-world processes, and then sold to consumers in global markets.

However it’s the idea of global consciousness, that special universal and inclusive awareness, knowledge and understanding that people experience in relation to the way that we define the realm of our lives in trans-world, planetary terms, that is particularly intriguing. The Earth is now a single social space, as globalization transcends geographical borders, without eliminating spaces based on locality, regions and countries. Imagine a single social space where, with the right technology, we can see, talk to or visit anyone, anywhere in the world. We are united as we watch international events unfold almost as they happen. We can purchase, eat, wear and drive the same things. We can share opinions, entertainment, politics, conversation, information and friendships without ever sharing the same room. The world is shrinking, yet at the same time it is expanding as we find new ways to cross the divides of culture, language, history and time.

That’s not to say that all of our fellow citizens of the world are enjoying the benefits of globalization. It’s a phenomenon that has resulted in what some call “global apartheid” and “cultural imperialism”. Globalization has swept through North America, Western Europe and East Asia much faster than other parts of the world. Its unevenness has not only impacted on a territorial basis, but also according to class and gender. The wealthy, those who can afford technological access and to participate in global finance, have played a much greater part in its development than the poor. With regard to gender, men have linked up to global computer networks much more than women. These separations mean that certain groups have access to more resources, influence and social power relations that are denied to others.

Many of us take for granted our mobile phones, internet connections, cable television, the affordability of international flights and enormous shopping centres. These things are shaping our lives, our perceptions and the way we interact with others across the globe. However, consider a child in central Africa, presented with a hand powered laptop that gives him internet access. Consider the impact it has on his life, his perceptions and the way he interacts with others around the world. Similarly, imagine a teenager in Tibet who begins to aspire to a different life after watching American sitcoms; or a mother in Argentina who regularly talks by mobile phone to her son who is studying international business in Melbourne; or the Russian woman who is working on her English language skills through the village library’s internet resource; or the tribe in Papua New Guinea who barter for Coca Cola and have received health education about the benefits of toothpaste and condoms from internationally based charities.

For those of us who do participate in globalization, be it on an aeroplane, in our lounge chairs or at our computers, it is an actuality that is expected to broaden our horizons, intensify our experience of the world and develop us as world citizens.

No amount of globalization though can prepare you for the reality of physically moving from one cultural environment to another. It is one thing to watch, read, chat about, acquire information and be absorbed in a variety of cultures; it’s another thing to be in that physical space, the locality, region or country and drown in the differences.

Culture Shock
Culture shock is a term, first introduced in 1954 by Katvero Oberg, used to describe the anxiety, feelings and discomfort – physical and emotional – felt when people have to operate within an entirely different culture or social environment, such as a different country, state or place than where they usually live.
Regardless of any preparations and planning we are all susceptible to some stress and anxiety when travelling or living, working or studying abroad. The extent of the changes and the effect it has on you may take you be surprise. It is important to recognise that this experience is quite normal, and applies regardless of what country you come from or where you are going.

Culture Shock’s Five Stages
There are five classic stages to culture shock. I call it the rollercoaster. Years of travelling and living in different places has only marginally reduced the impact of the rollercoaster ride for me, although naturally everyone’s experience differs.

1. Honeymoon stage: the differences of the new culture are intriguing, novel and engaging. Protected by the close memory of home and all that’s familiar you may feel excited, stimulated and euphoric, interested in exploring and experimenting.
2. Horror stage: after a while the reality of living in a foreign place sets in, the newness wears off. These cultural differences and daily crises begin to intrude and create a profound impact, sometimes resulting in feelings of isolation, inadequacy, confusion, incompetence and anxiety, further exemplified by the lack of familiar support systems (family, friends, work and school). You may begin to reject the differences you encounter, feel angry, impatient or frustrated. You often begin to criticize the country, the culture, customs, the life and values of the people. These are healthy reactions, as you reconnect with what you value about yourself and your own culture. During this transition phase you may have strong feelings of dissatisfaction.
3. Humour stage: differences and similarities are gradually accepted as you gain more understanding. You begin to reflect back on your earlier response and mistakes. You begin to feel more confident and relaxed as you become more familiar with your surroundings. You feel increasingly able to cope with situations based on your growing experience, as a certain physiological balance returns. Things that have previously caused frustration and disbelief may now make you smile. Your tolerance levels, sense of wit and irony return.
4. Home stage: you begin to feel at home and enjoy living in that foreign place. You value the differences, and feel full of potential and trust yourself in all kinds of situations. You are able to make enjoyable choices based on your experience, preferences and personal values. A firm sense of belonging is established.
5. Re-entry: this occurs when you return to your country of origin. It is sometimes called reverse culture shock. You find that things are no longer the same. Things, people and circumstances might have changed while you’ve been away. Some of the newly acquired customs, habits to do with eating, dress, social roles may not be used in your home country. Similarly you may struggle with your language, the fluency and vocabulary has become ‘rusty’ through disuse as you were immersed in, and acquired, the new language.

Not everyone will experience each stage at a certain time, for a particular duration. Many people go through different phases of the rollercoaster several times. Individuals have their own way of reacting to the stages of culture shock so naturally some stages will be longer and more difficult than others. A variety of factors contribute to the duration and effects of culture shock including your state of mental health, personality type, previous experiences, socio-economic conditions, familiarity with the language, family and/or social support systems, and level of education.

What contributes to culture shock?
Food: foreign food may seem strange. It may taste differently; it may be cooked and served differently. You may find it bland, heavy, spicy or unhealthy compared to what you are used to. As a new arrival you may find yourself constantly offered food and drinks, as a sign of welcome and hospitality. With time you will become accustomed to the new customs surrounding food and how to manage or politely refuse offers of food and drink. It is important to keep an open mind; what your taste buds struggled with initially may be something that you come to enjoy eating, with practice and as your palate develops.

Climate: the climate may affect you both physically and mentally. It may be a lot hotter or colder than you are accustomed to, and it can take some time before your body adjusts and you learn how to dress appropriately. Similarly, different weather conditions can affect your mood, grey cloudy skies and reduced number of hours of daylight is medically proven to cause sadness and depression in some people. The dampness or humidity may be difficult to adjust to, or perhaps the intensity of the sun combined with an outdoor lifestyle leave you exposed to unfamiliar problems of sunburn and dehydration.

Dress: the dress standards may be similar but sometimes climatic differences mean you find yourself uncomfortable wearing heavy, winter clothes or shorts and singlets. You may find the style of dress drab and conservative, or revealing, immodest and unattractive. It can be beneficial to try and adjust the way you dress to mirror the people around you, as blending in sometimes helps to reduce your external foreignness.

Language: constantly listening and speaking a foreign language is an exhausting process. In addition to your work or school environment, the continual assault of street signs, newspapers, television, radio and movies in another language can leave you feeling overloaded, confused and detached. Even if you do speak the language fluently, local accents and dialects can present new challenges. People inevitably speak quickly, use slang and you may feel embarrassed to ask people to repeat themselves, or slow down. Similarly you may misunderstand what’s been said, or find that you are saying something other than what you intended, potentially causing offence or hilarity. The mental strain of operating in a different language may leave you feeling tired and frustrated.

Behavioural customs: Social roles may surprise, confuse or offend you. People may be more emotionally expressive (loud voices, gesturing) and physically intimate (public kissing, holding hands, greetings with hugs and kisses) than you are accustomed to. Alternatively you may find the locals cold and withdrawn, apparently distant and disinterested. The relationships between men and women may be more or less formal than you are used to, and there may be differences between same sex contact and relationships.

Every culture has ‘unspoken rules’ which affect the way people treat each other. The process of discovering these rules can leave you feeling confused and disorientated as you adjust to the differences. The way people prioritize tasks, observe time and decide what is important can lead to differences in perceptions surrounding punctuality, work ethic, extending invitations, keeping appointments, fulfilling promises.

Values: Some of the easiest culture shock hurdles to overcome are the more superficial ones, those at the top of the iceberg like food, dress and behaviour. However, you will also notice that people from other cultures have very different views of the world from yours. The deeply embedded values, norms, assumptions and beliefs that you hold can be incredibly different from those held by your new neighbours and this can leave you feeling confronted and distressed. Withholding judgement as you try to understand how parts of the culture fit together into a coherent whole can be a challenging process. With time, you will start to appreciate why, within their culture context, people behave in certain ways, and why you behave differently within yours. Some values that are often poles apart are attitudes towards crime, the environment, politics, community responsibility, health and money.

Symptoms of Culture Shock
The symptoms of culture shock are physical, mental, emotional and social. Naturally not everyone experiences every symptom, and at times you may not even recognise that you are experiencing an indicator of culture shock.

Symptoms can include:
Sadness, loneliness, melancholy
Preoccupation with health
Aches, pains, and allergies
Unsettled sleep patterns, insomnia, desire to sleep too much or too little
Changes in temperament, suffering from depression
Feeling vulnerable or powerless
Anger, irritability, resentment, unwillingness to interact with others
Identifying with the old culture or idealizing the old country
Loss of identity
Trying too hard to absorb everything in the new culture or country
Unable to solve simple problems
Lack of confidence
Feelings of inadequacy or insecurity
Desire for dependence on other foreign residents
Developing stereotypes about the new culture
Excessive concern over cleanliness or purity about food and drinking water
Feeling that the new and strange is ‘dirty’
Feelings of being lost, overlooked, exploited or abused
Unwarranted criticism of the culture and people
Heightened irritability, inability to cope with minor frustrations
Constant complaints about the climate
Continual offering of excuses for staying indoors
Continuous concern about the purity of water and food
Rejection of local food, seeking out familiar food, emotional eating
Fear of touching local people
Delay or refusal to learn the language
Preoccupation about being robbed, cheated or injured
Pressing desire to talk with people who "really make sense."
Longing for family and preoccupation with returning home

NB: Be aware that culture shock and depression can have similar or overlapping symptoms. Depression is a very common mental disorder experienced by up to 25% of people at some time during their lives. It can be “characterized by feelings of worthlessness, guilt, sadness, helplessness, and hopelessness. In contrast to normal sadness, or the grief accompanying the loss of a loved one, clinical depression is sadness without any apparent reason and is persistent and severe. It may be accompanied by a variety of related symptoms, including disturbances in sleep and eating, loss of initiative, self-punishment, withdrawal and inactivity, loss of pleasurable feelings, and impotence” Encarta Encyclopedia 2005.

Managing Culture Shock
Dealing with the impact of culture shock is mostly a matter of minimising the dips in the roller coaster and taking the edge off the process of cultural adjustment. Positively confronting some of the obstacles and taking small constructive steps are some of the best ways to help yourself through this process. Here are some suggestions:

1. Don’t think that it won’t happen to you. It doesn’t matter how well prepared you are, where you come from, how well education or read you are, or if you an experienced traveller. Culture shock is a very normal experience.


2. Knowledge is a powerful defence, and the act of simply realising, and accepting that you are suffering from culture shock will often put things into perspective. Being aware of the causes, stages and symptoms is the first step to finding some relief.


3. Once you realize that your difficulties are due to your own lack of understanding of other people's cultural background and your inability to effectively communicate rather than the hostility of an alien environment, you also realize that you yourself can gain this understanding and the ability to communicate. And the sooner you do this, the sooner any culture shock will reduce and begin to disappear.


4. Focus your power on getting through the transition. Be patient; remember that the process of cultural adjustment is going to take time.


5. Have positive and realistic expectations. It has been shown frequently that there are strong correlations between positive expectations for an intercultural experience and successful adjustment overseas. Your attitude will greatly affect your intercultural experience and cycle of adjustment.


6. Do not expect to find things as you have them at home. You have left your home in search of different experiences.


7. Read up about the country and its culture, customs and language before you leave. This way the country and its people seem more familiar upon your arrival. You will hopefully be aware of some of the differences in this new country and better able to deal with them whenever possible (e.g. differences in hygiene, dining etiquette). This will also help you avoid offending locals by being aware of the feelings of local people e.g. taking photos and tipping.


8. Recognize that it is not uncommon for those suffering culture shock to need more sleep and rest. Sleep is a great healer; it provides respite from the assault on your senses and gives you an opportunity to reduce the ‘shock’ factor.


9. Travel, live and work in another culture in a spirit of humility and with a genuine desire to meet and talk with local people. Be communicative. An ability and willingness to communicate your feelings and thoughts to others, verbally or non-verbally, is an important skill for successful intercultural communicators. If you are just brave enough to try, you can cross most language and cultural barriers, using your rudimentary knowledge of the language, facial expressions, positive body language and appropriate hand signals.


10. Pack your flexibility and adaptability. The ability to respond to or tolerate the ambiguity of new situations is very important. You will sometimes find yourself just not knowing what is going on due to language barriers, communication breakdown or impromptu customs.


11. Be open-minded. The ability to keep one's opinions flexible and receptive to new stimuli seems to be important to intercultural adjustment.


12. Do not take anything too seriously. Do not take offence or let others get on your nerves. You have come a long way to learn as much as you can, to enjoy the experience, and to be a good ambassador for your country.


13. Focus on what you can control. Culture shock tends to make people feel out of control. Don’t worry about things you cannot change. Worrying will only reduce your ability to enjoy yourself and take pleasure in the new.


14. Keep judgemental behaviour to a miniumum. Do not judge the people of a country by the one person with whom you have had trouble. It is inappropriate to apply stereotypes and generalisations. It is also unfair to judge a country based on a local person’s criticism of some aspect of his own culture, the foreigner should listen to but not enter into the criticism.


15. Recognize the sorrow of leaving your old country. Allow yourself to feel sad about friends and family that you have left behind. Monitor your level of sadness and seek support or treatment if you feel you are experiencing a longer bout of depression.


16. Demonstrate a positive regard for others. The ability to express warmth, empathy, respect, and positive regard for other persons is an important component of effective intercultural relations. Remember too that you are a guest in every land; one who treats a host with respect will be treated as an honored guest.


17. Be curious. Curiousity is the demonstrated desire to know about other people, places, ideas, etc. This skill or personality trait is important for intercultural adjustment because you will need to learn many things in order to adapt to your new environment. Cultivate the habit of listening and observing, rather than merely seeing or hearing.


18. Maintain your sense of humor. The ability to laugh off the things that might otherwise make you weep, get angry, be frustrated, embarrassed or discourage will help protect against despair and depression.


19. Ask for help. Create a wide support network as quickly as you can in your target culture. Tap into local resources, use the internet.


20. Learn the language. Immerse yourself in your local neighbourhood. Shopping, catching public transport, visiting sites and volunteering in community activities will allow you to practice the language that you are learning. Offer to swap lessons in your mother language with someone local.


21. Maintain contact with your ethnic group. This will give you a feeling of belonging and you will reduce your feelings of loneliness and alienation


22. Tolerate differences and ambiguities. Realize that other people may have thought patterns, religious beliefs and concepts of time which are very different than yours; not inferior, just different. Develop your understanding.


23. Accept your new environment, embrace the differences. Learn to live with the things don’t satisfy you 100% or make you feel uneasy.


24. Bring with you an ability to cope with failure. At some stage, everyone who travels lives or works overseas will fail at something. It might be the language, finding accommodation, employment, dealing with the traffic, food, social roles, dating. Rest assured not everything will go according to plan, but it’s the failures, disappointments, set backs and tough times that bring the most learnings, and usually make the best stories once the dust settles.


25. Don’t make promises to local, new friends that you cannot implement or carry through. If you do make promises or extend invitations ensure you deliver.


26. Spend time reflecting on you daily experiences in order to deepen your understanding of your experiences. Writing it down can help immensely. Record your thoughts and frustrations in a journal. This will give you a healthy outlet for expressing your feelings.


27. Learn to include a regular form of physical activity in your routine. This will help combat the sadness and loneliness in a constructive manner. Exercise, swim, take an aerobics class, etc. Exercise releases positive endorphins, leaving you feeling happier and at peace.


28. Relaxation and meditation are proven to be very positive for people who are passing through periods of stress.


29. Develop a new hobby. Use any available free time constructively. Do something that you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time for e.g. learn to cook, visit museums, write letters, take yoga classes.


30. Learn from your experiences. If you encounter an unfavourable situation or environment, don't put yourself in that position again.


31. Be easy on yourself. Don’t try too hard.


32. Keep things in perspective. Don't invest major energy and emotion in minor problems. People experiencing culture shock can have a tendency to read too much into a situation, or make a “mountain out of a molehill”.


33. Maintain a strong sense of self. Persons who have a clear, secure feeling about themselves stand up for what they believe but do not cling to those beliefs regardless of new information, perspectives, or understandings which they may encounter. Maintain confidence in yourself. Keep setting simple goals and evaluate your progress.


34. Moving from ethnocentric monoculturalism to joyfully embracing multi-culturalism is not done with one huge leap. It is a journey of small steps.


35. Come back and read these suggestions and the list of symptoms again and again.