Culture Shock

[yamashitariki 4]

"Culture shock refers 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. It grows out of the difficulties in assimilating the new culture, causing difficulty in knowing what is appropriate and what is not. This is often combined a dislike for or even disgust (moral or aesthetical) with certain aspects of the new or different culture." [wikipedia]

After one of those arguments with the significant other pertaining to cultural differences, I went online and read up on "culture shock". My issue this time I guess was i) not being able to accept the level of friendliness or physical closeness (touching, hugging, etc) with their male platonic friends, and ii) the way one can express their opinion with such frankness [i.e. Ref to the article 'American Culture : Myths and Realities : "Americans are not taught, as people in many Asian countries are, that they should mask their emotional responses. To them, being "honest" is usually more important than preserving harmony in interpersonal relationships."]

I found a few links which that were rather interesting. Though not all may apply to your situation (or be accurate), but I'm sure you could find something to relate to.

American Culture: Myths & Realities [.doc file]

http://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/mu...Culture.806.doc

A very good comprehensive article

Japanese Culture: A Primer for Newcomers

http://www.thejapanfaq.com/FAQ-Primer.html

A rather funky read... haven't fully determined what my opinion is yet.

Culture Shock: What Happens When your Russian Fiance Comes to America

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-article...rica-68815.html

What I liked about this article:

"When you have an argument, and you invariably will, one comment you will almost certainly hear from her is that 'she gave up everything to be with you and that you have an obligation to her to make her happy because of this.' [...] The only thing that makes it worthwhile for them to stay in America is because they have a loving husband and a happy family life. If they feel loved, they will stay in America will all of its perceived faults. YOU are the reason they are going to America and YOU are the only reason they will stay."

If you have any sites/links that are related to methods to cope or understand better, please feel free to share.

[Jasman0717 9]

Claudeth took to America like a duck to water

[aidan80 9]

If it was hot and sunny year round back home I'd move back!

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

Aidan: they currently have more snow over there than we have here in Arkansas!

Not a link, but I found the book "Brit-Think, Ameri-Think: A Transatlantic Survival Guide" by Jane Walmsley really good, it helped me understand some of the differences in culture, socialising, how people see their pets and stuff.

[vanee 13]

Thanks for sharing these articles.

Japanese Culture: A Primer for Newcomers

http://www.thejapanfaq.com/FAQ-Primer.html

A rather funky read... haven't fully determined what my opinion is yet.

It was interesting, but I wondered if they exaggerated this part: "Many Japanese ex-pats who've lived abroad are viewed supiciously. If one's English is "too good", he might be ostracized." Considering how many university-age Japanese students study English abroad, I'm suspicious of the claim that they're ostracized. Some of these students have told me how valuable speaking English is in getting a good job. I'd like to hear what our Japanese members think about this.

Culture Shock: What Happens When your Russian Fiance Comes to America

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-article...rica-68815.html

There were good parts, but what did you think of the tone that came across?

...all the advantages that America has to offer.

...you should not be surprised if your Russian wife thinks many of the things in Russia are 'better' than the things she experiences in America.

You may not think that she gave up very much...

Frequently, other Americans will say to her, "How do you like America?" When they get a lukewarm response from her, they may think that she is ungrateful. After all, Americans think that everyone should kiss the ground when they arrive.

...She will be the reigning celebrity because she has been to America....

....she will brag about the things that you have bought her and provided her. She will tell them about all the wonderful things America has to offer.

...In her heart, she will always be Russian. But in her mind, she has experienced life in America and she realizes her future is there.

[Lyuba 0]

The artile says that American alsways say things directly and honestly.

I think it is the other way around. People are so indirect here. Even your friends don't tell you what they really think. I was told so many times that foreigners are so much more direct.

[JULIAFERNO 0]

The artile says that American alsways say things directly and honestly.

I think it is the other way around. People are so indirect here. Even your friends don't tell you what they really think. I was told so many times that foreigners are so much more direct.

Agreed. Turks are much more direct than Americans.

[phoenixwine22 0]

thank you for posting that article, American Culture Myths and Realities

i found it to be very helpful and while reading it had some '..ahaa....' moments...

sometimes i have experience culture shock, but had not had a 'label' to give it.

that's another thing i have noticed here, people LOVE to label things / conditions / situations

Everything appears more Cool if it has a name hahahah

[Jasman0717 9]

The artile says that American alsways say things directly and honestly.

I think it is the other way around. People are so indirect here. Even your friends don't tell you what they really think. I was told so many times that foreigners are so much more direct.

If you think Americans are indirect Filipinos are just going to blow your mind