Introduction
Whether you travel abroad on vacation, for work, or for extended stays such as expatriation or pleasure, some degree of cultural stress and associated transitional adjustment are to be anticipated. Periods of travel that are longer in duration will presumably involve higher levels of cultural stress and require greater amounts of transitional adjustment. While the well-seasoned traveler will have acquired sufficient experience to recognize the stages of culture shock and know how to deal with it, other travelers may benefit from a brief explanation on the subject.
Understanding Cultural Disorientation
Cultural disorientation, often referred to as “culture shock,” is a possible result of entering a new and unfamiliar culture. In his book, “Survival Kit for Overseas Living,” cross-cultural expert, Robert Kohl, describes cultural disorientation as “The psychological disorientation most people experience when they move into a culture markedly different from their own. It comes from the experience of encountering way of doing, organizing, perceiving or valuing things which are different from yours, and which threaten your basic, unconscious belief that your culture’s customs, assumptions, values and behaviors are right.”
Difference in language as well as different cultural rules, values, attitudes and behaviors all contribute to feelings of exasperation, aggravation, annoyance, uncertainty and anxiety, which, in turn, cause cultural disorientation. In some cases, people are aware that they are experiencing feelings of alienation, while in other cases, the process occurs under the surface. Left unchecked or unmanaged, cultural disorientation can produce depression.
People experience cultural disorientation in various ways. People who travel with frequency are fortunate enough to experience it in truncated form. Others, unfortunately, have extended bouts of cultural disorientation. Hearing a different language on a sustained basis is one of the primary causes for feelings of cultural disorientation.
The usual symptoms of cultural disorientation include exhaustion, moodiness, feelings of being overwhelmed, isolated or depressed, tendencies to explode over seemingly insignificant matters, insomnia, deteriorated communication skills. People with cultural disorientation often retreat from others, preferring to be alone even if that state exacerbates their feelings of isolation. Often, one’s professional life may be compromised by the physiological and psychological effects of the syndrome.
Understanding what constitutes cultural disorientation, being prepared for its likely effects, and knowing how to manage it, are the keys to successful cultural adjustment.
The Transition Adjustment Curve
Generally speaking, cultural disorientation is described as an emotional cycle characterized by four unique stages: enchantment, disenchantment, retreat and adjustment. Together, these four stages generate the “transitional adjustment curve.” In this section, these four stages of the transitional adjustment curve are delineated further.
In the first stage of “enchantment,” also referred to as the “honeymoon,” there are feelings of excitement andanticipation. Usually, this stage extends from the period prior to travel to a few weeks after entering the new culture. The sights, sounds, smells, tastes and other senses of the new culture are experienced with the intrigue of a honeymoon. During this stage, people attempt to experience and discover as much of the new culture as possible. Differences between the new culture and the culture at home are regarded as fascinating.
In the second stage of “disenchantment,” the reality of the situation is brought to bear and the enchantment of the prior stage collapses. This is the stage — usually after several weeks of entry into the new culture — where the frustration of being in another culture becomes burdensome. Unable to drive a car because there is no knowledge of where to acquire a permit, or unable to read the instructions (written in another language) for home appliances, this stage is characterized by feelings of extreme frustration and mental exhaustion. Basic tasks are complicated endeavors in a different culture with strange procedures, especially if another language is spoken. This reality brings a sense of irritation and insecurity as all the basic cues and rules that are taken for granted at home are not applicable in the new culture. In essence, the “honeymoon” is over.
As the events of the “disenchantment” stage build up and the emotional taxation increases, to a level that seems unbearable. The expected result is a transition to the third stage of “retreat.” In this stage, it becomes increasingly different to leave one’s home or abode voluntarily. For people who are expatriated abroad and must go to work each day, they may work longer hours or conversely, find themselves coming home at day’s end without any kind of social contact with others. In general, this stage is characterized by minimal contact with the outside world, the alien culture of the people of the new country. The fascination of the first stage is now a long-forgotten memory replaced by acute longing for home (homesickness).
As time passes, people usually reconcile themselves to the reality of being in another culture. They re-establish contact with others and come to terms with the fact that there are positive and negative aspects of all cultures. Some cross-cultural experts call this the “roses and garbage” realization when people come to appreciate the fact that no place is perfect and all cultures contain aspects that can be appreciated and disliked. This mental pragmatism is part of the “adjustment” stage where people are able to find ways to accommodate both the “roses” (positive attributes) and the “garbage ” (negative aspects), thus making way for successful adaptation in the new culture.
The transitional adjustment stages are not exact. It is possible that after reaching some degree of adaptation, setbacks occur, perhaps with even greater severity than the first set of difficulties. As ever, being able to successfully navigate cultural transition depends upon being prepared for it, understanding it when it does occur (including the natural “ups and downs,)” and dealing with it pro-actively.
Elements of Successful Cultural Adaptation and Adjustment
Coping techniques for cultural adaptation and adjustment include stress release and stress management. People who live and work solely in their country and culture of origin often have to find ways to deal with stress. In intercultural contexts, that requirement is intensified. Perhaps jogging or some other form of physical exercise is one person’s preferred stress release mechanism, but that person must also consider whether or not that particular activity is something that can easily be transported elsewhere. Alternative activities should be considered and should be treated with serious consideration since mental health may depend upon it. Discuss options with locals as well as expatriated individuals to get a sense of the kinds of activities offered in the new culture, and then decide which ones might serve as stress management and release techniques.
That said, language is another issue that should seriously be considered as part of the adjustment process. Although English-speakers are often prone to assume that other cultures will automatically cater to their needs, learning the language of the host culture can often be the most concrete way of combating cultural disorientation. The process of learning something new can be internally gratifying, but the ability to get around in another culture and freely communicate is a stress-reduction mechanism which can tangibly lead to a sense of self-empowerment.
Building a network of people who can help keep one connected is another aspect of successful cultural adaptation and adjustment. Simply knowing that one is not alone can help in dealing with feelings of isolation and can prevent acute episodes of retreat noted in Stage 3 of the Cultural Transition. Communication, both in the language of the host culture and in one’s native language helps in the “grounding” process and should be pursued as a requisite activity.
Issues Surrounding Repatriation
One frequently ignored aspect of cultural disorientation and transition is the matter of repatriation or return. Traveling has a significant effect on the human psyche and in cases of extended expatriation or travel, the consequences are even greater. Some experts suggest that the return home after extended travel or living abroad can be more difficult than actually going to another culture. In brief, the experience of international travel changes people. It forces them to think about life differently. Professionally, their newly-acquired skills and knowledge may or may not be appreciated at home. Finding an outlet for these internal changes is key to successful repatriation.
Compiled & written by CountryWatch.com, April, 2001.
Sources:
Weaver, Gary. 1994. “Understanding and Coping With Cross-Cultural Adjustment Stress” in Culture, Communications and Conflict: Readings in Intercultural Relations. Weaver, ed. Needham Heights: Ginn Press. Kohls, Robert. Survival Kit for Overseas Living.
