Faculté Des lettre et Des Humaines
De Mohammedia
Université Hassan ll De Casablanca
Department of English Studies
Semester 4 - AY - 2022/2023
Prof. ZRIZI HASSAN
Course - Intro to cultural studies
April 26th, 2023 - Youssef JAMAL - Assignment
Definition: Culture shock is the anxiety, feelings of frustration, alienation and anger that may
occur when a person is placed in a new culture One of the most common causes of culture
shock involves individuals in a foreign country culture shock can be described as consisting of
at least one of four distinct phases Honeymoon, Negotiation Adjustment, and Mastery. There is
no true way to entirely prevent culture shock, as individuals in any society are personally
affected by cultural contrasts differently
Il - The Four Phases of the Culture Shock
1) Honeymoon phase
During this period, the diferences between the old and new culture are seen in a romantic light
For example, in moving to a new country, an individual might love the new food, the pace of life,
and the locals' habits. During the first few weeks, most people are fascinated by the new culture.
They associate with nationals who speak their language, and who are polite to the foreigners.
This period is full of observations and new discoveries, Like most honeymoon periods, this
stage eventually ends .
2) Negotiation phase
After some time (usualy around three months, depending on the individual), differences between
the old and new culture become apparent and may create anxiety. Excitement may eventually
give way to unpleasant feelings of frustration and anger as one continues to experience
unfavorable events that may be perceived as strange and offensive to one's cultural attitude
Language barriers, stark differences in public hygiene, traffic safety, food accessibility and
quality may heighten the sense of disconnection from the surroundings. While being transferred
into a different environment puts special pressure on communication skills, there are practical
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difficulties to overcome, such as circadian rhythm disruption that often leads to insomnia and
daylight drowsiness, adaptation to different bacteria levels and concentrations in food and water;
difficulty in seeking treatment for illness as medicines may have different names from the native
country's and the same might be hard to recognize.
Still, the most important change in the period is communication: People adjusting to a new
culture often feel lonely and homesick because they are not yet used to the new environment
and meet people with whom they are not familiar every day The language barrier may become a
major obstacle in creating new relationships In the case of students studying abroad, some
develop additional symptoms of loneliness that ultimately affect their lifestyles as a whole. Due
to the strain of living in a different country without parental support, international students often
feel pressure while adjusting to new cultures--even more so when the cultural distances are
wide, as patterns of logic and speech are different and a special emphasis is put on rhetoric.
3) Adjustment phase
Again, after some time (usually 6 to 12 months), one grows accustomed to the new culture and
develops routines. One knows what to expect in most situations and the host country no longer
feels all that new. One becomes concerned with basic living again, and things become more
"normal’’ One starts to develop problem-solving skills for dealing with the culture and begins to
accept the culture's positive attitude. The culture begins to make sense, and negative reactions
and ways with responses to the culture are reduced.
4) Mastery phase
In the mastery stage assignees are able to participate fully and comfortably in the host culture.
Mastery does not mean total conversion; people often keep many traits from their earlier culture,
such as accents and languages. It is often referred to as the biculturalism stage.
II-
Example of Culture shock (an American Visited Taiwan)
Welcome to your new country. You're come here for fun, excitement, change, challenge, and
perhaps money. Will the locals speak your language? I'm not trying to scare you, but perhaps
they won't. Will some people there speak your language, oh most definitely? This is only one of
the things that you may have to think about when you plan on going to a new country.
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Culture shock is an interesting phenomenon that doesn't affect everyone the same way. Some
just can't understand it when the locals don't speak English. Some can't comprehend why there
aren't any Why am I even English signs anywhere to be found. Why are things done this way,
and not that in this situation? It would never happen in my home country. Questions like these
can cause people to get stressed out and want to go back to their own countries. People can
get frustrated when faced with change. Many people deal with it their own way, head back
home.
In 1998, I travelled to Taiwan. I never once felt that I suffered from culture shock, personally. I
always, felt it was more like culture fascination rather than culture shock. I was amazed with
everything that I saw and encountered. But I still had many questions. For instance, why aren't
there English street signs on the corner of every intersection? I felt that they would be very
helpful for me and also for other people from English speaking countries. What I didn't think
about was that the people that live there can read the signs just fine, and it certainly isn't
necessary for them to change them all just for me. A friend of mine had a girlfriend that hated
everything about Taiwan and couldn't understand why it was different from her home in San
Francisco She hated the people hated the food hated the smells, hated the transportation, all
because it was different from San Francisco. I asked her if she hated everything so much, why
doesn't she just leave. I cared about Taiwan and its people and to be completely honest, I didn't
want to hear any more of her complaining. She ended up leaving eventually, but after more
complaints. This is what happens to some people, they can't adjust to their new environment
properly.
Others suffer from a much more realistic and understandable reason, homesickness. It's easy to
miss your family, your friends, and your familiar stomping grounds For people that decide to go
overseas, they have to stay focused enjoy themselves, and be strong Yes, this new place isn't
like home Yes, this new place is strange and different. No, your friends and family aren't here.
This was one of the biggest challenges that I had ever faced and I thrived on it
Another factor involved can be diet. The foods that you're used to eating may not be available in
this new location. You may have to actually try something different Believe me this is a good
thing Trying new things will also be a test for you. Try the food that the locals eat everyday It's
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obviously not bad for you or these people wouldn't be eating it themselves I have to laugh to
myself when I hear about people going to Taiwan and eating McDonald's all the time.
The culture in your new destination will obviously be different when compared to where you're
from Things they say and do will most likely also be different. When I was in Taiwan it was
generally accepted for people to ask others how much money they made In Canada this is just
an awkward question that is rarely asked, even amongst close friends. Actually, now that I think
back to that time. I felt uncomfortable every single time I was asked my rate of pay. I was asked
quite frequently and I never actually gave up that information to my inquisitors.
As I mentioned previously, culture shock affects different people different ways. I know a guy
who went to Taiwan, he was originally planning on staying for a year He lasted 5 days In my
opinion this small amount of time is not enough to give a fair evaluation of the country But that's
me and that was his decision, not mine I just goes to show you that people are different. Don't
be worried about how culture shock is going to affect you just buy a book and read a bit about
your destination. Nothing will totally prepare you for what you are about to discover Enjoy
yourself and make the absolute most of your experience Don't fear culture e shock embrace it.
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