Examples of culture Shock

Cultural Etiquette - Am I missing something here?

In some countries, it is a social faux pas to use your left hand, to pass anything to anyone else. In other cultures, it is considered rude to look at someone, when you are talking to them, or they are talking with you.

You may find yourself in a culture where smiling and nodding your head, do not necessarily have the same meaning your culture gives them.

Silence in some cultures is considered a sign of respect, it signals they are considering what you have just said. They will remain silent after you have spoken to them, in order to give your comments due consideration. You must learn to wait.

Social Distance - How close do I stand?

Social distances in foreign cultures can also be quite difficult to get used to. How would you handle living in a place where people tend to stand very close to each other, even when there is lots of space around?

When your social distance is different from the culture you have arrived in, you can end up being chased around the room, because as soon as you move back, the other person will immediately close the distance. You move back, they advance again. Why? Because your social distance feels uncomfortable to them. This is a no-win situation for you. You have to get used to it.

Observe how others are standing, and follow the social rules of that culture. Don't worry you'll get used to it.

Social Distance - Is there a sitting distance too?

What if you are sitting alone, at an intimate table for two, in a little cafe. There are a number of other unoccupied tables around you. Suddenly a stranger comes over and sits down at your table, directly across from you, without even asking permission? How do you interpret such behavior? The person doesn't look at you, they just calmly eat their food, as if nothing is out of the ordinary.

Remember you are now in another culture. Could it be that in this culture, it's considered antisocial to sit by oneself, when someone else is sitting alone, in a social setting like a cafe? That's a whole new way of looking at it, isn't it? Sure it takes a little getting used to. It's interesting to know the why behind these customs, there's usually a reason why they have developed. Knowing this helps you to understand the culture better.

Ex.2. Match the questions on the left with the answers on the right.

1. Is it your first visit to Ufa? a) In the UK, in Oxford.

2.Oh really? What do yo do? b) Nearly ten years.

3. Where are you based? c) No, I come here quite often.

4. How long have you been there? d) No. Actually this is my first trip.

5. Have you been to London before? e) I’m the marketing director for a

small company

6. Business or pleasure? f)Business I’m afraid!

7. How long have you been here? g) Till tomorrow night.

8. How long are you staying? h) A week or so.

9. Where are you staying? i) I really like it. There’s a lot to do.

10. Is it comfortable? j) It’s good, but eating is quite expensive

11. What’s the food like? k) Very! And it has a great view over the river.

12.So, what do you think of the city? l) at the President Hotel.

Text 3. A SNAP-SHOT OF CULTURE SHOCK

One of the most challenging aspects of living and working overseas is coping with 'Culture Shock'.

This is a term used to describe the stress brought on by all the changes you suddenly encounter as you settle into a new culture.

• You don't understand the language, and can't read the signs.
• You don't know what the customs are.
• People are staring at you, because you look different.
• There is no order or organization in the streets.
• The traffic is terrifying, because no one observes any rules or regulations.
• Buses travel at break neck speeds, and accidents are common.
• Corruption is prevalent. It's the accepted way of doing business.
• You can't do anything by phone, you have to go in person, and stand in long line-ups.
• Power outages occur every day for hours, without warning.
• In order to get government officials or anyone else, for that matter, to cut through the red tape and act on your behalf, you have to carry bribe money with you.
• It takes weeks, and sometimes months to get anything done.

Ex. 3. What would you say in the following situations?

You are offered food which you hate.

Your colleague’s been redundant.

You have to propose a toast.

You have to great a visitor.

You want to end a conversation in a diplomatic way.

Congratulations! Cheers! That’s sounds good. Sorry… I don’t mind.

I’m afraid, … Make yourself at home. Could you… No, thanks.

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