What is culture shock and how I overcame it | Ashley Huang | TEDxSoongChingLingSchool

Summary

This video explores the process of culture shock through the personal experience of moving from China to Singapore. The speaker describes the five stages of culture shock, starting with the excitement of the honeymoon phase, moving through rejection and gradual adjustment, and culminating in acceptance. The narrative highlights the challenges of learning a new language, fitting in at school, and adjusting to different cultural norms. The speaker emphasizes the importance of time, patience, and making friends in navigating cultural transitions, encouraging viewers to embrace change as an opportunity for growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Change is inevitable in life, and it is often difficult to accept, but embracing it is crucial for growth and progress.
• 😀 Cultural shock is a significant part of adapting to a new country or environment, involving multiple stages of emotional and mental adjustment.
• 😀 The first stage of culture shock, the 'honeymoon stage,' is when the new surroundings are exciting and fascinating.
• 😀 The second stage, 'rejection,' happens when differences between the new environment and previous lifestyle become frustrating and difficult to accept.
• 😀 Language barriers and misunderstandings can intensify the feelings of rejection, especially for younger individuals in a new school.
• 😀 The 'gradual adjustment stage' is when a person begins to understand the language and their environment, allowing them to interact more comfortably.
• 😀 Friendships can play a crucial role in helping someone transition and adjust to new cultural settings, providing support and encouragement.
• 😀 The 'acceptance stage' is when the individual feels fully comfortable in their new environment and can interact seamlessly with the local culture.
• 😀 Moving back to a previous home country can trigger 're-entry shock,' where differences in familiar surroundings are noticed and compared to the new culture.
• 😀 Culture shock is cyclical: once you've gone through it, you may experience it again as you move or adjust to new environments, but it becomes easier with experience.
• 😀 Patience, time, and the willingness to engage with others and make new friends are key to successfully navigating cultural transitions.

Q & A

What is culture shock?

Culture shock is the process of adjusting to a new culture and environment after moving to a different country. It often involves experiencing a range of emotions and challenges as one navigates unfamiliar customs, languages, and social norms.

What are the five stages of culture shock mentioned in the script?

The five stages of culture shock are: 1) Honeymoon stage, 2) Rejection stage, 3) Gradual adjustment stage, 4) Acceptance stage, and 5) Re-entry shock stage.

How does the honeymoon stage affect someone's perception of a new environment?

In the honeymoon stage, a person is fascinated by all the new experiences and aspects of their new environment. They view everything with excitement and wonder, as everything seems fresh and different.

What challenges did the speaker face during the rejection stage?

During the rejection stage, the speaker struggled with language barriers and felt disconnected from the new culture. They experienced frustration and dislike towards cultural differences, feeling that they were not suited to their old lifestyle.

How did the speaker overcome the challenges of not speaking English in school?

The speaker overcame the language barrier with the help of a supportive friend. Over time, they gradually learned English through daily immersion and the encouragement of their friend, which helped them adapt to their new environment.

What role did friendships play in the speaker's adjustment process?

Friendships were crucial in helping the speaker adjust to their new life. A friend helped them through the gradual adjustment stage by explaining things they didn’t understand and welcoming them into their circle, which made the speaker feel more at ease.

How did the speaker's experience in Singapore change over time?

Initially, the speaker faced challenges, including feeling out of place and struggling with language. However, as they learned the language, made friends, and adapted to their new surroundings, they reached a point where they felt comfortable and at home in Singapore.

What is the re-entry shock stage, and how did it affect the speaker?

The re-entry shock stage occurs when a person returns to their home country after spending time abroad. In the speaker’s case, returning to China after living in Singapore made them notice and compare the cultural differences, leading to a sense of unfamiliarity and curiosity about the changes.

How does culture shock serve as a cycle rather than a one-time experience?

Culture shock is a cycle because people may go through the stages each time they move to a new place. Each relocation brings new challenges, but with experience, one can adapt more quickly and efficiently to different environments.

What advice does the speaker offer for adjusting to new environments?

The speaker advises to give yourself time to adjust, not to cling to old ways, and to make an effort to interact with the community. Making friends is key, as they help you navigate cultural differences and provide support during the process.