Culture Shock

I think the Culture Shock Stages would go something like this.

Euphoria – You are elated to engage the new culture and soak up the native life. The natives are great, they look different, dress great and they are happy to see the funny looking foreigner which is you.

Isolation and confusion – Wait this new place is not so great, it is impossible to communicate with the natives, they eat horrible food, and they act as if they are annoyed with me for not understanding them. It is best to keep to myself and avoid any unnecessary contact.

Rejection of the new culture – The natives are stupid, they eat food, which will kill you, the water is unsanitary, they cannot learn anything, and they have to live like this because they do not know any better.

Confident of survival – I can get through this, I’ve learned some of the language, some of these people are coming along to a better way of thinking, and heck, I picked up some of the local habits and these people are all right.

Independent, living comfortably in the new culture - I love this place, the pace, the food, the people. If people would just get to know the natives, they would not judge them so harshly.

I find in best when in a new cultural environment to:

1. Speak when spoken too.

2. Always listen more than talk.

3. Observe all interactions carefully.

4. Do not take notes as it offends or puts people on the defensive.

5. Thank people more than you normally would.

6. Smile do not frown.

7. Do not become animated when you speak and do not talk loudly.

8. Do not act as if you expect to be waited on, be humble.

I try to remember that I am new to them also and they are wary of me. I have intruded into their space and I should