(课外阅读)culture shock in different countries.doc

Culture Shock in General每个国家都有其自己的信仰、世界观、风俗、社会习惯等等，这些告诫国民什么可做，什么不该做。人们刚刚投入到全新而陌生的环境中学习和工作普遍会遇到culture shock(文化冲击)。对于culture shock应当如何对待？又有什么方法能让我们更好地调整自己以适应陌生环境？同学们不妨走进下文，也来“冲击”一下！Each society has its own beliefs, attitudes(看法), customs, behaviors and social habits. These give people a sense of who they are, how they should behave, and what they should or should not do. These “rules” reflect(反映) the “culture” of a country. People become conscious(留心的) of such rules when they meet people from different cultures. For example, in some cultures, being on time can mean turning up several hours late for an appointment, even for a business meeting; in others, 3 p.m. means 3 p.m. Also, the rules about when to eat vary from culture to culture. Many North Americans and Europeans are used to having three mealtimes a day and organize their timetable around them. In some countries, on the other hand, people often do not have strict rules like thispeople eat when they want to, and every family has its own timetable. When people visit or live in a country for the first time, they are often surprised at the differences that exist between their own culture and the culture in the other country. The most common way of comparing two cultures is in terms of their differencesnot their similarities. For some people, traveling abroad is an exciting experience; for others though, cultural differences make them feel uncomfortable, frightened, or even insecure(不安全的). This is known as “culture shock”. Here are several things to do in order to avoid culture shock. Learning how to adapt to a new culture 1. Avoid quick judgments; try to understand people in another culture from their own point of view. 2. Become more aware of what is going on around you, and why. 3. Dont think of your cultural habits as “right” and other peoples as “wrong”. 4. Be willing to try new things and to have new experiences. 5. Try to appreciate(重视) and understand other peoples values. 6. Think about your own culture and how it influences your attitudes and actions. 7. Avoid having negative stereotypes about foreigners and their cultures. 8. Show respect, sincerity(诚挚), interest, acceptance and concern for things that are important to other people. Understanding and appreciating cultural differences can help people avoid misunderstandings, develop friendships more easily, and feel more comfortable when traveling or living abroad.SpeakingWhat kind of difference in the cultures are you expecting between China and Canada? (How do you think culture shock?) I think western countries will be more religious than China, and Im looking forward to visiting a church there. Also, business in western countries will be more formal-based on contracts ,and a lot less o n connections. I think that will be a bit hard to get used to .And, I think that life will move at a faster pace in western countries. I am not really looking forward to that, but I think Ill probably adjust after a while. I am certain that the major differences Ill encounter-perhaps in mindset or attitude ,but I think Ill have to experience those things before I can really understand them.Culture Shock in the U.S.AMy friend Dr. Dong had a wonderful chance to go to Seattle to present a paper at a professional meeting. Having attended my course in Intercultural Communications, he consulted me to review some of the cultural differences he might experience. I also gave him the phone number of a friend of mine who lived in the area. When he got back, we met to review his experience. Dr. Dong told me that the course information had helped him. He experienced the typical stages of culture shock. He arrived expectant and happy and enjoyed his first days very much. At the medical conference, he felt quite confident in his area of research and was able to perform well in his presentation. But after a few days, he began to feel uncomfortable. His medical English was fine, but the social interaction skills were different, and he was unsure of the cues and the communication style.He worried more and more that he was misunderstanding simple English greetings and table talk conventions. When someone greeted him with, Hi, hows it going? he thought they had asked him where are you going? and answered with the name of the conference hall, only to get a quizzical stare from them. At a western style dinner, a colleague asked, So howre you enjoyin the States? he thought he heard, how are you enjoying your steak? and answered that he was eating chicken, not beef. That time, they smiled, and patiently repeated the question, then both laughed at the error.Such misunderstandings and miscommunications were minor. But for Dr. Dong, they were the beginning of a sense of cultural confusion. By the end of the meetings, he felt a deep sense of cultural stress and was worn out from having to pay attention to so many new expressions and ways of dealing with things. He felt his handshake was not as firm as Americans, found that people reacted unusually when he modestly insisted his English was not good after they complimented him, didnt know how to accept dinner invitations properly and therefore missed out on going to several lunches, and so on. Eventually, he was so bewildered that he felt the full impact of culture shock.What is culture shock and why does it occur? The term was coined about 50 years ago by the Swedish scholar, Kalvero Oberg. His seminal article，Culture Shock: Adjustment to New Cultural Environments (1960) has been reprinted and revised for many textbooks and magazines. He called it the occupational disease of people who have been suddenly transplanted abroad. His use of the word disease is a pun, because it implies that it is like an ailment, with its own symptoms and cure, but also that the root cause is also a feeling of dis ease, or unsettled uneasiness.Think back on your own experience. Have you ever moved from one context to another? Many students feel some of this adjustment shock when they change from one school to another, or move from a small town to a big city.The list of sensations one feels in new surroundings often includes: Feeling like an outsider, feeling unsure of oneself or even feeling stupid; Sensing that ones language skills arent good enough, missing jokes, colloquial phrases, references to TV shows or pop songs or other cultural insider information; Feeling uneasy and unsettled, irritable and increasingly short tempered; Feeling lonely and wanting to go home, feeling more and more like a stranger or outcast; Feeling overwhelmed, overloaded, daydreaming, staring blankly at things or even staring at nothing; Becoming more and more afraid of communicating and of making mistakes, worried, anxious.These are all symptoms of initial culture shock. With a new context comes new ways of doing things. So being uninitiated and unsure of what to do, this sense of displacement is often very strong at the beginning. But the good news is that humans are very good at adapting. Though everyone undergoes some degree of psychological stress in transition, after a few weeks or months, we learn how to read our new context. We become aware of the new cues, the new expectations, the new ways of communicating. With some trial and error, and with a lot of patience with oneself, most people succeed in overcoming culture shock and learn to enjoy their new context.Dr. Dongs visit to the US was only three weeks long, but by the end of the 5-day medical conference, he was already starting to feel more confident. Sure he felt a little foolish about some of the mistakes he had made, but he quickly learned to laugh at his errors and found his colleagues smiled with him. This broke down the barriers to communication and helped him build some good professional relationships. And after the conference, he contacted the family I had referred him to and had a very nice time visiting them. There were some new cultural surprises, but he discovered he could better understand and adapt to them.By the time he returned to China, he was feeling quite positive about his American trip, and was glad for the new experiences and new skills it had given him. He had become successful in the initial transitions to a new culture. Though he had gone through some embarrassing or trying culture stresses, each had proven to be valuable learning experiences, and in the end had helped him overcome culture shock.我的朋友董医生有幸获得了一次去西雅图在一个专业会议上做学术报告的好机会。已经上过我的跨文化交际课程，他请我帮他温习一下他可能遇到的一些文化差异。我也将我的一个在该地区居住的朋友的电话号码给了他。当他回来后，我们聚到一起回顾了他的经历。 董医生告诉我，课程所学派上了用场。他经历了文化冲击的典型阶段。他满怀期待高高兴兴地到了美国，非常愉快地度过了最初几天。在医学会议上，他对自己的研究领域颇为自信，而且他所做的陈述也相当成功。但在过了几天后，他开始感到有些不适应了。他的医学英语不错，可是社会交往技能却是另一码事，他拿不准那些暗示及交际风格。他越来越担心他会误解简单的英文问候语以及餐桌交谈习俗。当有人用嗨，一切都好吗？向他打招呼时，他以为是问他你要去哪？因而答之以会议厅的名字，结果招来了疑惑的目光。在一次西式的晚宴上，一位同事问他：你在美国过得好吗？他听成了你觉得牛排味道如何？因而回答他在吃鸡肉，不是牛肉。那次，他们笑了，并耐心重复了那句问话，然后都对这个错误大笑一通。这类的误解和交流不畅还是次要的。但对于董医生来说，它们是文化困惑感的开始。在会议快要结束时，他深深地感到了文化压力，而且因为还得注意待人接物时这么多新的表达法和方式而感到精疲力竭。他感到自己握手不如美国人那么有力；在人们称赞他后他谦虚地坚持说他的英语不好时，他发现他们的反应异乎寻常;他搞不清如何适当地接受宴会邀请从而错过了几次午餐，如此等等，不一而足。最终他被搞得不知所措,彻底感受了文化冲击。 什么是文化冲击，为什么会产生文化冲击？这一术语是瑞典学者卡尔维罗奥博格大约50年前造出来的。其拓荒之作文化冲击:适应新的文化环境（1960年）为许多教科书及杂志所再版和修订。他称之?quot;突然移居海外的人所患的职业病。他用的disease这个词是个双关语，因为它暗示这如同一种病，有其自身的症状和疗法，而且其根源也是一种（dis）不（ease）适或心神不宁的感觉。回想一下你自己的经历。你曾从一个环境迁到另一个吗？很多学生，当他们从一所学校转到另一所，或从一个小镇到一座大城市时，都会感到这种顺应冲击。感到像个局外人，对自己没有信心，甚至感到愚蠢；感觉自己的语言能力不足，领会不了笑话、口语化用语的含意，也搞不懂电视节目及流行歌曲或其他文?quot;内涵的信息；感到不适和不安，易激怒并且脾气越来越暴躁；感到孤独并且想要回家，感觉愈来愈像个陌生人或被抛弃的人；感到不能自持，负担过重，想入非非，失神发呆；越来越害怕交流和犯错误，担心、焦虑。这些都是文化冲击的最初症状。新的环境伴随着新的行事方法。所以缺少积极性并且不知道该做什么，通常这种移位感在最初都很强。但是好在人类很善于调整适应。尽管在转变过程中都经历了某种程度的心理压力，但在过了数周或数月后，我们学会了如何解读我们的新环境。我们逐渐懂得了新的暗示、新的期望、新的交际方法。几经磨练，自己也有了耐心，大多数人成功地克服了文化冲击，并学会了享受他们的新环境。 董医生的美国之行仅仅3周的时间，但未等5天的医学会议结束，他已经开始感到比较自信了。当然他对自己所犯的一些错误感到有点愚蠢，但他很快就学会调侃自己的过错，并发现他的同事也在向他微笑。这消除了交流的障碍，并且帮助他建立了一些良好的业务关系。会议结束后，他同我提到的那一家人取得联系，并愉快地拜访了他们。他的美国之行有一些新的文化惊奇，但他发现他能够更好地了解并适应它们。在他返回中国时，他感到此次美国之行很有意义，并对此行的新经历和所获的新技能感到高兴。在对一个新的文化的最初转变中他已经取得成功。尽管他经历了一些尴尬或难受的文化压力，但每一次都证明是颇有价值的学习经历，并且最终帮助他战胜了文化冲击。Culture Shock in ChinaIn opening this essay on culture shock, perhaps it is necessary first to define the term. For the purposes of the following collections of musings, culture shock refers to the experiences of a person who spends an extended period of time in a place other than that of his/her origin. For a person of Canadian origin, such as myself, shock is a very fitting term for the first few days spent in a country as different as China. I will supply many details in order to better exemplify this vague definition.Since I had previously traveled extensively in South East Asia before my arrival in China, the obvious initial differences were not as overwhelming as they may be for other foreigners. However, after coming into direct contact with many people, Chinese custom and culture proved to be greatly different from any other experience, and, quite shocking.My first Chinese interaction, and subsequent shock, was eating a Chinese meal. Everything that I had learned and known about eating practices was not shared knowledge with my new Chinese friends. First, when the meal was brought out by the waitresses, I was surprised that no empty plates were brought for us patrons. All members of the dinner party proceeded to eat from the same plates. I was further surprised when one gentleman began stirring a dish of noodles with the chopsticks that had been in his mouth. Shortly after I began to eat the hot, delicious meal, some of my hosts raised glasses to welcome me. Following the toasts, cigarettes were then passed out. These things were very alien to me. In Western countries, once hot food is served to guests, we never slow down our eating, and certainly never stop completely to enjoy a cigarette. Westerners eat their food when it is as hot as possible, often if and when the food becomes too cool, the food is left for the garbage.After my first meal in Jinan, I was shown to my new home. I had prepared myself for the mild shock I received when first viewing my apartment, so I really did not mind the humble surroundings. I was, however, somewhat surprised with the lack of hot water in my bathroom and the kitchen. Perhaps the most shocking quality of my new home came about four hours after my arrival. At 6:00 am, I heard a very disturbing cry under my bedroom window. I peered out to see two large roosters calling to the rising sun. Not only was I surprised that such animals live in a city, but more amazed that the birds neighbours would tolerate their existence.My first morning in Jinan was perhaps more shocking than the evening before. As I walked around the campus of Jinan University, I became quite confused. Everywhere, I saw young women walking together, hand-in-hand. As I waked on, I saw many young fellows walking the same way, or even with arms around one another. When such behaviour is seen in a Western country, it indicates to those around them that the two boys or two girls are more than friends. After my stroll around the campus, I was escorted to the downtown. Words can not express my amazement. It began with an unbelievably crowded bus ride. A bus in Western countries with so many people, would be illegal.The third day that I spent in Jinan was a Saturday. I asked some of the students that I had met what they planned to do this night. I was surprised at their plans and suggestions. They informed me that they never go out to a bar or any other such establishment outside of the university. Further, no one I spoke with even had any idea of the places or activities that I mentioned. So, I went to a Jinan University dance party. I could not believe the surroundings. The music, dancing style, and everything that I saw was completely foreign to me. And, again, I saw men getting uncomfortably close. One young man even asked me to dance a tango. I politely declined his offer. Time flew by. It was soon 10:30, and the dance was over. I asked some students what they would do after the dance. They answered that they would go to bed. I could not believe the brevity of the Chinese night life. I have long been accustomed to beginning my Friday or Saturday evening at 10:00, and maybe getting home (if I got home at all) at about 5:00 am.Perhaps the most shocking, but pleasantly shocking, aspect of China is the friendliness of Chinese people. I have often seen two strangers meet, and immediately strike up a conversation. I have seen people push one another on the street or on the bus. Neither one ever get upset. I have noticed that vegetables and flowers have sprouted up around the city, and no one steals or steps on them. I have been welcomed in many peoples homes and institutions to such hospitality I almost want to cry. I have seen children and young women out at night, with little to worry for their personal safety. The Western decadent culture, in itself, strictly limits any night time behaviour. In large cities such as New York, London, Madrid, and even Toronto, all people must concern themselves and their family with the threat of guns and vile criminal activity. To me, Jinan is a huge city, but shockingly safe, and its inhabitants shockingly kind.Thank you.Culture Shock in JapanWhat is culture shock? The definition of culture shock is “A condition of confusion and anxiety affecting a person suddenly exposed to an alien culture or environment”. Food The first time I experienced culture shock was ten years ago. It was my first time visiting Japan, at that time I didnt speak any Japanese, so I joined a group tour. I still remember one night we had a wonderful dinner with all kinds of dishes on the table. I was starving, due to a long walking at daytime; therefore I grabbed a bowl of brownish soup and hurried to drink it. A lady sat right next to me asking, “ What kind of soup is that?” and I replied “ Annn, it tastes like miso soup, but a little bit salty”. All of a sudden the tour guide shout out loud “ DO NOT drink that brownish stuff, its not soup, its soy sauce” after hearing that, I was close to tear. I murmured “ You should have told us earlier, I had already finished it all”. Last year was my second time visiting Japan, and I experienced more shocks.LanguageYou might hear that many Japanese words are taken from English. When I was in Japan I tried to make my English sound like Japanese so people could understand me. For instance. Instead of saying “ orange” I had to say “ olenji”;” volunteer” “bolantea”. If you want to know whether this person wants MacDonalds or Burger King you could say “ Macudonalolo? bagakin?” . Japanese people even take the original American movie titles and transformer them into Japanese. So if you ask Japanese people“ Have you ever seen the movie “Mission Impossible”?”, they might look puzzled and say “ enn?”. But if you say “ Mison imposibolu” they would respond “ Oh! YES! Good movie”. Sometimes the English words in Japan may not keep the original meanings. One time a friend of mine told me she lived in a mansion. I was shocked and I reacted“ Wow, you live in a mansion, you must be very very rich”. Later