CROSS CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

Transcription

1 CROSS CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING CULTURE SHOCK Done By : Adiwena Yusuf Nugraha (C ) Muh. Rizal Fikry (C ) Sharih Shadri (C ) Tori Nuariza Sutanto (C ) ENGLISH DEPARTMENT FACULTY OF LETTERS AND FINE ARTS SEBELAS MARET UNIVERSITY,

2 Culture shock Definition - Microsoft Encarta Premium 2009 states that Culture shock can be defined as A feeling of confusion and disorientation caused because of a person does not share commoon ways of life or beliefs as self identity depends on culture to such great extent that immersion in a very different culture - Encarta Dictionaries also states that Culture shock can also be called as sudden exposure to unfamiliar culture, The feelings of confusion and anxiety experienced by somebody suddenly encounteriing an unfamiliar cultural environment - defines Culture shock as A term describing the feelings and some of the more pronounced reactions to spending an extended period of time in a culture very different from your own Culture shock can be characterized by periods of frustration, adjustment, and even depression. - defines culture shock as the anxiety and feelings (of surprise, disorientation, uncertainty, confusion), felt when people have to operate within a different and unknown culture such as one may encounter in a foreign country. It grows out of the difficulties in assimilating the new culture. Culture shock is a common way to describe the confusing and nervous feelings that a person may have after leaving a familiar culture to live in a new and different culture. Culture shock can be characterized by periods of frustration, adjustment, and 2

3 even depression.when people move to a new place, they face a lot of changes. That can be exciting and stimulating, but it can also be overwhelming. Culture shock is caused by feeling strange or unfamiliar with the new culture or country. The awkwardness and inability to understand the language, cannot speak fluently, not knowing how to behave with the acceptable manner. The people in new country ussually feel like children because they cannot understand all of the new culture and new behavior instanly. They need some more time to deal with all of those new things. There will be a common indication that will lead to culture shock, such as : Homesickness Headaches or stomach aches Easily tired Loneliness or a sense of hopelessness Distrust of people Withdrawal from people and activities Lowered work performance Anger, or anxiety and suspicion Sadness, loneliness, melancholy, boredom Preoccupation with health Aches, pains, and allergies (psychosomatic illness) Insomnia, desire to sleep too much or too little Changes in temperament, depression, feeling vulnerable, feeling 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 Developing stereotypes about the new culture and people 3

4 Developing obsessions such as over-cleanliness Longing for family; homesickness The feelings that stated above commonly happen, and it will getting worse if the suspect didn t know how to overcome it. Phases of Culture Shock. Culture shock has many phases. The first stage is the incubation phase. In this phase, the people will feel ecstatic and be pleased by all of the new things encountered. This time is called the "honeymoon" stage, as everythings are new and exciting. The second phase is when the people encounter some difficult times and crises in daily life. For example, communication difficulties may occur such as not being understood. In this stage, there may be feelings of discontent, impatience, anger, sadness, and feeling incompetence. Process of changing between the old methods and those of the new country is a difficult process and takes time to complete. During the transition, there can be strong feelings of dissatisfaction. The third phase is characterized by gaining some understanding of the new culture, we can call it as a falling action after the climax. The condition change to be better. A new feeling of pleasure and sense of humor may be experienced. One may start to feel a certain psychological balance. The new arrival may not feel as lost and starts to have a feeling of direction. The individual is more familiar with the environment and wants to belong. This initiates an evaluation of the old ways versus those of the new. In the fourth phase, the people realizes that the new culture has good and bad things to offer. This stage can be one of double integration or triple integration depending on the number of cultures that the person has to process. This integration is accompanied by a more solid feeling of belonging. The person starts to define him/herself and establish goals for living. 4

5 Reverse Culture Shock is the next phase, it happens when the people return to his/her homeland, they will face some new difficulties to re-adaptive to the old culture, so it s also need some more time to deal with. Each phase above is different between one and another it depends on the personality of the people. Many factors contribute to the duration and effects of culture shock. For example, the individual's state of mental health, type of personality, previous experiences, socio-economic conditions, familiarity with the language, family and/or social support systems, and level of education. How to minimize the risk of culture shock??? Climate: The climate where you will study or work may be very different from what you are used to and this can have psychological effects. Try to find out what the climate is like where you will study before you go and make sure the clothes and outwear you are taking will be suitable! Food: At first, you may find the food strange and different where you will be studying and may miss items from home. This can often result in eating unhealthily and eating fast meals. Try to find local shops that stock familiar foods and supplement your diet with fresh fruit and vegetables. Be sure to try new things! Language: Constantly speaking in a new language can be exhausting. Additionally, people for the most part don t often expect the range of regional accents that they may encounter in a new country, which can make understanding the language even more difficult. 5

6 Just practice, practice, practice and be sure to make some friends who are native speakers. This will help you to improve not only your language for the classroom or business setting, but also the social language unique to where you are living slang! Higher Education Systems/Business Culture & Etiquette in Other Countries: The UK Higher Education System can be very different from many higher education cultures in other countries. Likewise, conducting meetings, exchanging business cards, day-to-day correspondence many aspects of business culture and etiquette can differ in different cultures. Students should seek out seminars and workshops in your host University that address the education system in the country, coursework, assessment, etc. Just ask fellow students and University staff or colleagues around the office will be able to help. How To Overcome Culture Shock o Be open-minded person, Prepare yourself toward everything new o Don t be quickly in criticizing, complaining, judging a custom or habit that occurs in other countries, even comparing with your original custom or habit in your country. o Try to develop your hobbies to minimize streesful and surfeited. Who knows it will gain money! o Stay on the line in communicating with your family, friends by sending s, chatting, or SMS when homesickness comes. o Loves more your own culture and don t forget with who you re, where are you from, and try to introduce or promote your own country. 6

7 Sources : Mardiana, Dian, Kuliah Gratis ke Luar Negeri, Mau?, Lingkar pena. Bodley, John H. Culture. Microsoft Encarta 2009 [DVD]. Redmond Encarta Dictionaries, The definition of Culture Shock, Microsoft Encarta The Center for Global Education website and Returning Home by the Canadian Bureau for International Education, 1984, p Interhealth & its staff, Interhealth waterloo Road London SE1 8US, The topic of Reverse Culture Shock the free encyclopedia, the article of Culture Shock an educational website by nemours foundation, the article of Culture Shock

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