跨文化交际英文11 Culture Shock

Love Peter
Culture shock
Dear Nicky, Thanks for your letter. It was lovely to hear from you. I’ve been thinking about your question about what I find strangest about living in China --but the trouble is I’ve been here so long and have settled into the way of life so much that everything seems perfectly ordinary! So, if you want to find out you’ll have to come out to see for yourself with a fresh pair of eyes. I can be your guide! Best wishes Paul
The teacher says…

Treat life as an adventure and be willing to take risks. Treasure your extraordinary experience.
Self-check List


What is culture shock? What are the symptoms of culture shock? What are the phases of culture shock? How to manage culture shock?
Reverse Culture Shock

Returning to one’s home culture after growing accustomed to a new one can produce the same effects as described above.
Culture shock



calling home much more often than usual ② Boredom why the curriculum is so tedious ③ Withdrawal avoiding meeting people, feeling vulnerable ④ Excessive sleep sleeping like a log, insomnia ⑤ Compulsive eating/drinking gulping ⑥ Irritability having an increased need for hygiene ⑦ Stereotyping host nations ⑧ Hostility towards host nations

You develop strategies to cope with difficulties and feelings, make new friends and learn to adapt to the host culture.
Culture Acceptance

Again, after some time (usually 6 - 12 months), you accept and embrace cultural differences. You see the host as your new home and don’t want to depart new friends.
III. Phases of Culture Shock

Honeymoon phase Negotiation phase Adjustment phase Culture Acceptance
Honeymoon phase

During this period the differences between the old and new culture are seen in a romantic light, wonderful and new.






Warmth in human relationships Flexibility/adaptability Empathy Communicativeness Curiosity Ability to fail Low goal/task orientation Strong sense of self
Negotiation phase

After some time (usually weeks), differences between the old and new culture become apparent and may create anxiety.
Adjustment Phase
Unit 11
Culture Shock
In today’s class, we’ll…


learn what is culture shock; be aware of the symptoms of culture shock; identify the phases of culture shock; find out how to manage culture shock.
What may cause culture shock?


Stress reactions Cognitive fatigue Role shock Personal shock
II. Symptoms of Culture Shock

① Homesickness









Best wishes Simon
Culture shock
Dear Joan, Life here seems not so bad after all. The people are quite nice once you get to know them a little better and begin to figure out their way of looking at things. Guess I’m beginning --- just beginning --- to know the ropes.
IV. How to manage Culture Shock?







Brush up about the country and its culture before you leave. Be open-minded about the culture you visit. Remember, there are always resources that you can use and friends that you can count on. Don’t forget the good things you already have! Learn to include a regular form of physical activity in your routine. (walk) Be happy and excited for this opportunity. Make a home away from home with familiar things such as pictures, bedding, cooking utensils, etc.

Here are some excerpts from the postcards of English students studying in China. Please identify they were written in which stage of culture shock.
Culture shock
Test Yourself
1(very low), 2(low), 3(medium), 4(high), 5(very high)



motivation self-reliance Tolerance for ambiguity Tolerance for differences Non-judgementalness Open-mindedness Sense of humor Perceptiveness
Culture shock
Dear Michael, This is a fantastic place! So many interesting things to see, such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Even wandering the streets is a delight with all the bustle and hordes of cyclists. I’m really happy I came.
I. What is Culture Shock?

Culture shock referLeabharlann Baidu to the anxiety and feelings (of surprise, disorientation, uncertainty, confusion, etc.) felt when people have to operate within a different and unknown cultural or social environment, such as a foreign country.
A Joke

There was a Chinese man in America for the first time to earn money,and after he had learned little English,he went to rent a house alone.There he said in Chinglish:"I eat you ,sleep you,how much a month?"(the equivalent meaning in Chinese is 我吃你，住你，多少钱一个月？） Surely ,the houselady was shocked by his words and felt quite embarrassed.
Dear Mum and Dad, I’m really feeling fed up with my life here and longing for home. Getting anything done over here is a nightmare --- the locals are so lazy and unhelpful. And on top of all that I feel rundown and sleepy all the time, seem to have lost all my zest. Love Jim