Culture Shock is the term given to the experience of encountering a culture different from the one in which a person grew up. Rather than a single event, it is a process of big and small surprises and adjustments as one gets accustomed to being in a new place. It also varies by person so that while it can be a disorienting and painful process for some, it can be a relatively pleasant process for others, with only mild discomfort. The kinds of factors that affect how a person might experience the process of culture shock include the degree of cultural difference between the culture of origin and the host culture, prior cross-cultural experience, level of fluency in the dominant host culture language, available support, as well as personal flexibility and readiness for dealing with difference. The process of culture shock is that it tends to follow certain patterns,
The U curve
In the Honeymoon Phase, when just arriving in the new culture, one may feel excited and pleased because arrival is often the culmination of much effort. One feels like a tourist, where the newness is pleasing rather than disorienting. As the reality sinks in, this becomes less pleasant. Persons begin to miss what they were used to, and begin to feel critical and hostile about “the way things are done here”. This is the Culture Shock phase of the cycle. By this time, they may be more accustomed to the host culture while missing their home culture more. They may become angry, irritable, depressed, or sad, behaving in hostile or avoidant ways towards members of the host culture, or trying to only be with members of one’s home culture, or isolating from everyone. It may be difficult to concentrate, and persons may have changes in hygiene, sleeping and eating habits. Finally, depending on whether persons gets help, find friends, gain support and encouragement, or have a transforming experience in some way, they can move into the Adjustment stage, where they have come to an accommodation with the host culture, while holding on to their home culture.
It is important to remember that dealing with culture shock is normal. However accustomed one may feel to the host culture through previous visits, movies, and other experiences, actually living in a place makes a difference. Having to hear, understand, and communicate in another language everyday, all day, is stressful. Sometimes, it is the small things that bring the greatest homesickness. One may be very calm in dealing with a whole different bureaucracy, but feel devastated when unable to get one’s favorite food in the local grocery store.
Tips on Dealing with Culture Shock
* When experiencing culture shock, do not resolve feelings by scolding oneself or self-criticism
* Patience with the feelings that arise is important
* A sense of humor about mistakes helps.
* Strive to avoid isolating, no matter how much discouragement is present.
* Strive to maintain contact with people from the home culture while reaching out to people from the host culture.
* Call a friend, talk to a neighbor, or contact a support organization as listed in the resources here. Everyone can use a little help some of the time.
U-Curve originally attributed to Lysgaard (1955), adapted by Oberg.
Kalvero Oberg, K. (1990). Culture Shock and the Problem of Adjustment in New Cultural Environments. G. R. Weaver (Ed.) Culture, Communication and Conflict: Readings in Intercultural Relations, (2nd Ed). Needham Heights, MA: Simon & Schuster, 185-186.