Phases of culture shock
The shock (of moving to a foreign country) often consists of distinct phases, though not everyone passes through these phases and not everyone is in the new culture long enough to pass through all three[1]:
- Honeymoon Phase - During this period the differences between the old and new culture are seen in a romantic light, wonderful and new. For example, in moving to a new country, an individual might love the new foods, the pace of the life, the people's habits, the buildings and so on. During the first few weeks most people are fascinated by the new culture. They associate with the nationals that speak their language and are polite to the foreigners. This period is full of observations and new discoveries. Like many honeymoons this stage eventually ends.[2]
- Negotiation Phase - After some time (usually weeks), differences between the old and new culture become apparent and may create anxiety. One may long for food the way it is prepared in one's native country, may find the pace of life too fast or slow, may find the people's habits annoying, disgusting, and irritating etc. This phase is often marked by mood swings caused by minor issues or without apparent reason. This is where excitement turns to disappointment and more and more differences start to occur.[3] Depression is not uncommon.
- Adjustment Phase - Again, after some time (usually 6 – 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 ways with a positive attitude. The culture begins to make sense, and negative reactions and responses to the culture are reduced. Reaching this stage requires a constructive response to culture shock with effective means of adaption.[4]
My Culture Shock' Phase in simple words:
Phase 1: to the opposite of what stated on the "honeymoon" state above, when I first just arrived in new place and culture, I will not have the honeymoon phase. Instead I will have the
" observant" phase.
Negotiation Phase : Yes I do have the negotiation phase , where I start to understand and accepting more about the positives and negatives sides. For instance : When I just first arrived from China to Sabah, I found that the pace of living and working manners here are too slow. ( hello.. China? every country is SLOW comparing to China and everything is so SMALL comparing to China ).And that the people here are not creative enough and they should use their potential more. Also the culture here are very relaxing and laid back. And I didnt understand why people complaint that they said they live far away , while it is actually just about 20 minutes drive?
But I also very much relieve that almost no one spit in the elevator or shopping centre like in China.
Adapting Phase : the easiest phase. I think I also become more laid back, more slow hahahah... and without realizing I also start to say that 20 minutes drives now is FAR according to my standard of timing!!! hahahaha...
But after a few years , normally I will feel so comfortable to be in the host country. Feel really like home. I remember , once, after we come back from holiday, and we arrived in Shanghai, I got this relieve feeling... AAAH..... home.... this city is my home. But I felt weird, and happy at the same time. And then it happens again many times after , no matter where we lived, in Guang Zhou and Kota Kinabalu too. And yes , I have consider Kota Kinabalu part of my home, I got the feeling when I came back here after a trip overseas : aaah.. I am home....and I miss the beach, the weather, the city, even some food.....
May I say : I am a Cosmopolitan?
Cosmopolitan refer to A city/place or person that embraces its multicultural demographics( wikipedia.com)
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