BY: RAZAN
Culture shock is very common among almost all the new comers
to new cultures. It is a bunch of different emotions that possesses the new
comer for a while. In fact, it depends on the person; some people would
experience the culture shock for a few days, while others could experience it
for a long time. When it comes to me as a personal experience, I have started
to experience this feeling since my first day in the U.S.A. Therefore; culture
shock has many difficulties, such as struggling when speaking a new language,
making friendship, and eating option.
The first obstacle I faced in the U.S.A was the language
barrier. At my first days in the U.S.A, I thought my English is good, but I
realized I was wrong. No one understood me when I was talking, and they used to
reply “WHAT!!” However, I have been trying hard to improve my accent, so
everyone understands what I say.
Secondly, making friends is another issue that adds to the
negative emotions of culture shock. A new person in a new society feels lonely
because there is neither family nor friends; therefore, making friendships and
communicating with people is a necessity. Nonetheless, without basic
communication skills, it is merely difficult to communicate with strangers. For
instance, many locals find it absurd to be a friend with someone doesn’t
understand more than half of the conversation, so they try to avoid such a
friendship.
The last problem that makes it difficult to adapt to a new
culture is the food choices. It is an irritating issue when individuals can’t
find food that suite their stomachs. When people don’t eat well because nothing
of the offered food satisfies them, they tend to be grumpy and moody. Thus,
they may experience the culture shock for a long period.
To sum up, culture shock has different stages, but people
usually identify the negative sides of it. The most known negatives of culture
shock are language barrier, friendship obstacles, and food adaptation. Culture
shock exists in the person mind, it could be easily defeated or it would be the
worst experience ever.
Minji Lee - Haha dear Razan, you seem to have suffered from many things in U.S. Yes, it is difficult to overcome cultural difference. Especially, in relationship between other nationalities! And now I realized why you always bought snacks as your lunch...so sad.
ReplyDeleteMashael Almansour
ReplyDeleteIn my country, I used to get help from my family member. They were helping me in my chores, studying, raising my kids, and cooking, but here in USA I hardly became independent in my responsibilities. That was my obstacle.
This is the first time for me to study abroad for such a long time. My first month for being in the U.S.A, I missed my family so much. Sometimes I even cried in my bed without knowing. But now, I have been here for almost six months, I learn how to cook, and my English is improve. I feel better now, and I really enjoy the life in the United States. When my mom come here to visit me last December, she said I became more independent and my english is improve. I'm so happy. I think culture shock is not only the negative effect.
ReplyDelete-------------------------Jen