Short Essay on Culture
Shock
Outline:
1. Culture
2. Culture shock
3. Types of culture shock
4. Examples of culture shock
5. Prevention of culture shock
6. Conclusion
Definition of Culture
Culture can be defined as the ways of
living including arts, beliefs, customs and trade of a population. Culture has
been called "the way of life for an entire society. It also includes codes
of manners, dress, language, religion, rituals, art etc.
Definition of Culture Shock
Culture shock refers to the feelings of
uncertainty, confusion, or anxiety that people may experience when they move
from one country to other country or one society to other society. The concept of culture
shock was given by Kalervo
Oberg, who
coined the term culture shock in the mid-1950s, defines culture shock as “the
anxiety that results from losing all our familiar signs and symbols of social
intercourse” (Oberg 1954).
People might experience culture shock when they relocate to a new location for a variety of reasons, including travel, study, employment or even vacations. When someone moves to a new environment and struggles to acclimate, they frequently experience confusion and anxiety. However, going through culture shock has a big positive impact on one's personality since it teaches people how to become more self-assured and adaptable, deal with times of isolation and unfamiliarity, and maintain their strength when faced with vulnerability. Culture shock can help to build self-confidence and independent attitude in one’s personality.
Types of Culture Shock
Food Culture Shock
Here are some examples of food from
various cultures that will astonish you, such as, in some countries like
Thailand and Africa, people eat wild field Rats roasted on a stick. In
China and some Chinese restaurants around the world, eating chicken feet is
common. Some Korean restaurants cultures specialized in dog meat dishes. In
Cambodia fried tarantulas and hairy arachnids are considered a popular snack, Pork is preferred in some countries but
it is banned in Muslim countries. Locusts in Israel and Jellied Moose
Nose in Canada etc.
When
someone travel abroad, he faces many barriers in food, language, culture,
people and places. When you enter in a country like Japan, you don't know the
language, even ordinary things like using the metro, placing of a restaurant
order, or calling for cab become more challenging. In this regard, culture
shock can result in feelings of irritation, helplessness, and uncertainty as a
result of your inability to communicate. For examples, in Russia, China,
Germany, Japan and in many countries, people don’t speak and understand English
so don’t assume people speak your language. Learn a few keywords and phrases
before you go in the certain country to avoid culture shock.
Overcoming
the culture shock is possible, and there are numerous approaches to deal with
this phenomenon. Today, information technology and social media is providing a number
of platforms to learn the local customs and traditions in order to become more familiar
with the local environment. Making new friends and exploring familiar things can
also help in overcoming of culture shock. One should be flexible, adaptable,
calm and don’t be discouraged. Share your experiences with others. Culture
shock could be stressful but if you find healthy ways to cope with this stress
and engage in stress-relieving activities such as exercise or go for walk,
experience interesting things and meet different people to relieve the stress
of culture shock.
Conclusion
Culture shock is a universal phenomenon
that is reversible. Before relocating, one should learn as much as possible using
the internet and social media. Be open minded to learn. Ask questions about
unfamiliar things, and enroll in a couple of languages classes. Make new
friends and associate with positive people. Stay in touch with family and friends
back in home via social media. This can provide you with some comfort while you
are abroad and will reduce the impact of culture shock.
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