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Culture Shock is the term used to describe the feelings and anxieties people have when they operate within an entirely different social and cultural environment, such as a foreign country.
Living in Barbados provides information on what it is, the phases and stages you might experience, the signs to look out for and ways to help overcome it.
In 1954 the term culture shock was first introduced by Kalvero Oberg. It is a very normal occurrence that affects almost all newcomers to any new host country.
Phases of 'Culture Shock'
'Culture Shock', even in its mildest form, consists of various and distinct phases. However, everyone's experiences are at varying rates and pace and will come in cycles rather than in a smooth, linear process.
» The 'Honeymoon Phase' - This incubation stage during the new arrival shows the difference between the old and new cultures. There are feeling of euphoria with the new environment - romantic, exciting, quaint and wonderful. The architecture, the food, daily habits all seem very appealing.
» The 'Negotiation Phase' - After some time, possibly days, weeks, or even months, the euphoria wears off and there is a feeling of resolve. You have figured out how things work and are done, but this is not without some sort of difficulty or crisis. This transition can be difficult to process but takes time. There can also be strong and clear feelings of dissatisfaction, discontent, impatience, anger, sadness or incompetence during this transition process.
You long for the way things were done at home, how the food was prepared, your countries' habits. The things you had found quaint or exciting, start to become annoying. There is rejection and dislike for all that is different and you start to take things personally and feel that you are being judged as 'wrong'.
» The 'Everything is OK' phase - Following the negotiation phase, you regress into a safe haven and have therefore gained a better understanding of the new culture. You no longer react negatively and have now developed a sense of humor and feelings of pleasure. You feel more familiar with the environment and have a strong routine and sense of balance about yourself and are concerned with basic living once more. Again, there is no timeframe for this phase.
» The 'Adjustment' phase - In this stage, there is a realization both cultures have good and bad to offer. You start to feel comfortable and integrated in your new environment; in fact it does not feel so new after all as there is a solid feeling of belonging.
» The 'Reverse Culture Shock' - This occurs when you return to your country of origin. Things might no longer be the same after growing accustomed to a new culture and can produce the same effects as described above.
In some cases, it may be impossible to deal with culture shock. Some people will give up on adjusting into the new culture and return to their old one.
Symptoms of culture shock
Warning signs of culture shock can be both physical and emotional and the exertion and stress created can include a range of symptoms.
» Eating more than usual - weight gain
» Not eating enough - weight loss
» Developing an increased need for cleanliness
» Longing for family and contacting them more than usual
» Being too eager to please and absorbing everything in the new environment
» Being hostile and complaining all the time about the new environment
» Anger, irritability, resentment, unwillingness to interact with others
» Loss of identity and avoiding meeting people
» Insomnia, increased need of sleep
» Sadness, loneliness, melancholy, lack of confidence
» Changes in temperament - feelings of inadequacy or insecurity, of being lost, overlooked, exploited or abused
» Preoccupation with health
» Aches, pains, and allergies
» Unable to solve simple problems
» Developing stereotypes about the new culture
» Identifying with the old culture or idealizing the old country
Coping with culture shock
Overcoming and coping with culture shock can take time, but if you follow these steps, your recovery can be done with much ease and little stress.
» Recognize that you are in a cultural transition and don't be too hard on your self; be patient, it's going to take time.
» Be open-minded about your new country; read up about the island and its culture before you leave and therefore familiarize yourself with the local customs.
» Build a support system; find friends, family and colleagues who can listen and support, they will serve as support for you in difficult times.
» Maintain contact in the new country by developing a hobby or volunteering; establish simple goals and evaluate your progress.
» Make physical activity a regular part of your routine. This will help combat the sadness and loneliness in a constructive manner.
» Relaxation and meditation are proven to be very positive for people who are passing through periods of stress.
» Learn to be constructive. If you encounter an unfavorable environment, don't put yourself in that position again. Be easy on yourself.
» Develop a sense of humor; find ways to laugh and reduce the tension.
» Find ways to live with the things that don't satisfy you 100%.
» Allow yourself grieve for the things that you have left behind: your family, your friends, you old culture
» Don't forget the good things you already have!
» Remember, if you feel that you still can't cope with the stress, there are always resources that you can use
Recent research claims that culture shock can have many positive effects on those people who have intercultural experiences. These include respect for other cultures, improving self-motivation, developing a better understanding of oneself and stimulation of personal creativity.
Recognize the specialness of both your home and host cultures as well as their weaknesses. Most importantly know that the sacrifices you have made will forever enrich you by having had this experience.
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