Culture Shock



Abstract

The term cultural shock was the first time was used in 1958 in order to describe the anxiety produced in the personality of a person when he is moved to particular new environment and culture. One might assume that cultural shock is a sudden and a shocking situation for a person. In reality, it is quite different from the way it is interpreted. It actually develops in a certain period of time in stages and levels depending upon the external conditions. This paper aims to elaborate an idea that focuses the concepts and consequences of the cultural shock. Further it also describes the factors and symptoms that become the cause of the cultural shock. Finally, it ends with conclusions and assumptions that could help in coping with such a situation.

Table of contents

Abstract2

Table of contents3

Cultural Shock5

Thesis statement5

Introduction5

Discussion6

What it can lead to6

Symptoms of culture shock6

Physical problems7

The physical problems of a person encompass all the persons that a person has to deal with when suffering from cultural shock. This will include:7

Cognitive problems7

Behavioral problems9

Social isolation10

Anxiety from new freedom11

Family problems and pressure at home countries11

Method to cope with Cultural Shock11

Stay active12

Socialize and make friends12

Stay Focused12

Seeking help12

Write your feelings13

Writing is the best medium to get rid of frustration and depression (Furnham, 1997).13

Be patient13

Be optimistic13

Do not lose hope and stay optimistic. Keep your attitude positive towards all the situation and find easier ways to deal with the problems and minor situations.13

Using a universal language13

Cultural Graph curve:14

Conclusion14

References15

Cultural Shock

Thesis statement

Cultural shock cause a person to be disturb psychologically and sometimes physically but the situation can be dealt by adopting certain strategies and ideas.

Introduction

Cultural shock can be referred as the feelings restlessness and distress when being exposed to some foreign culture. In broader concept, it can be simply defined as the whole situation and anxiety produced when a person shifts to whole new environment. This is the situation that translates the feeling of a person lacking the idea of direction for what to do and what not to. And being unaware of knowing what is correct and appropriate and what is not.

This feeling is experienced soon after coming to a new place. It can be described as the physical, behavioral and emotional unease and discomfort when a person comes to live in a new place (usually a foreign country) that is different from the place of origin of that person (Furnham, 1997). 

Difference in the culture and environment such as the life style, difference of language, unaware of using banking machines, and not knowing how to use telephone and other communication mediums cause the a person to suffer from Cultural shock.

Discussion

Cultural shock can be regarded as the syndrome or reaction to a particular change of environmental conditions. This process of adjustment starts with a fascination for the foreign culture as everything is new and exciting and there is a peak in the energy in order to explore the foreign destination and lifestyles. Then this joy and euphoria is over whelmed by a Cultural Shock. (Furnham, 1997)

What it can lead to

Cultural shock can ...