vom rpeemmmenny “What S wondsl WSbERE . Leeat take fiends Tier ita al day’ ue Nothing's the eae Tris. ny ova coun tg" ‘he. Senie Newoomer-tAlten Seven Months inthe United States) PreReading Discussion 1. Avcording to the authors, ctiltaral adjustment ts liked roller coaster tide with many ups and dowiss, The qudlda above show how suimeone's reactioxis to living in another culture can change over time: Explain the change in raction af the newcomer after ‘one month and after seven months in the United States, ‘Theré e-d saying in English that if jeople feal that they do [Link] int, they are like “fish out-of water." Do you think a person in another aultirre is like a Ash oift of water? 35a6 Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adjustment 8, How important is knowing the éulttuie of a know the language? Name a few of the most cultural knowledge that:one should have before going to live ina foreign country, Pre-Reading Vocabulary 1. Definitions ‘Tho words “to adjust” and. “to adapt” both deal with changing to meet the deviands of'a new situation. a, to adjust; fo change ip. otder to ft b, ta adapt: to make fit or suitable by changing or adjusting Discassion: To what extent, if at all, doot.a person have to change jn fer to adjust of adapt fo a new daltine? Muist an:individiral’s parséitality chango for the adjustinent to be subddssfal? tS . Definitions a; elation: great happinéss (“ap”) ‘b, depression: great sadness (“dawn”) Discussion: ta whidls situations (in another enltixe) are people's ieelings sometimes like a roller coaster tidet a Delia ion ’ culture shock: the response that an iudividwal may have in a new country; the-person may feel. confused and disoriented, and every aspect of daily life may be difficult Disditssion: Going to live iti another country tieahs that a persed ‘ill be “uprooted.” When, you plant a tres or flower:and then move it to angihier ace, what happens? Are there always prob- lenis? Ate there ways to minimize these ptobletiis? WHét happoiis when a person is taken by the “roots” and moved? ae 4. Delinttois a, Integrate: to becomia a part or @ member of b. edrhon copy: ah, exact copy; the sate as another Discussion: Some people say, “When in Roms, do as the Romans do.” Do you agree? Should poople in a [Link] try to retain some of thelr own culate, of should they become just like the “Romans”?Skimming: For General Information Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adjusturent ae To got the general idea of the reading that follows: 1. Read the titles-and headings of the sections. 2. Read the first and last paragraphs of the reading, ‘From your skimming, answer the following: 1, Js cultuial adjustment possible? ; 2, Does enlturat adjustment vary among individuals? Scanning: For Specific Information ; “ To find specific information in the reading, look for cles such as certain words and numbers. Sean the reading to find the answers to the following: 1. Where is the list of questions to consider when thinking about Variations in people's cultural adjustinant? ‘| 2, Adjustinent to life in another eountty 1s a complicated: process; ‘The authors stiggest that if. can be a “shook” (a surprising, confas: ing experience). What type of shock js it! Where do the. ‘anthers first introduce this concept? Reading ‘Text Cross-Cultural Couflict dnd Adjustment A Fish Oat of Water ‘ “A fish out of water": This expression has bean used io davteihe Someane who is Hiving iia new éulture’ Such 4 person will experi: ence @ variety of °emotional “ups and downs” lasting ftom weeks to years. Cultural adjustment can indeed ba-diffioult, and newcomers adjust in many diffetent ways. In thinking abowt-how: someone will adjust to a new culture, the following questions should be consid. ered: 1, “Motivation: Why did the person leave his or her native dour try? Did the person have a choice, or was he or sho forced to Jeave for political, religious, or economic reasons?38 Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adj 2, Length of stay: flow long will the pesion Be in the new countiy? a+ Language and colhiral hackgeound!-How similar are thé lan- guage and culture of the new country to. te person’s native lan- guage and culture?‘Bl fa (Br Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adjustment 39 4. Language and cultural knowledge: How well does the newcomer speek the language and understand the culture of the new coun- _ try? 4, Personality: How “flexible and “tolerant is the newcomer? ~ & Relationships with others: How mach support from sither fainily or friends does the neweomer have? 7, Financial situation: What financial resources doas the person ~haye? ae & Job: Does the neweotter have a job? Is. ita lower status job than, the one the person had in the nitive country? 9." Age: How ald is the person? 10, Degree of “ethnocentrism: How othnocenttis is the newcomer? Does this person think that the new culture is inferior to his of het culture of right ‘Do what degree does the newcomer con: sider everything hack home to be “normal” and everything in the new environment to he “strange”? Ghe might predict that the easiest and fastest adjustiient would be made by the flexibls, tolerant person who liad chose to conis to the new country and. who had @ job. Additionally, adjustitient wauld be castor for someone whose culture and language are sirnilar to those of the new country, Finally, ¢ person wha has a lot-of sujiport fom. feiends and family would probably adjust more quickly, Un- doubleily, in many cases, these would be good °predictors. of a rela- tively Smooth adjustment, However, sottetitties there are suxprivas i people's cultural *adaptatiort to a new country, Unpredictable Gultural Adjustments Sonie-newcomers to a society do well in their first year of cultural adjustment. However, they may have a tore dificult time later, Perhaps they expected the second year to be as easy and, successful as the first year, but are not prepared ta deal with °obstactes that aiise during the setond jedr. Those who had problems from the beginning may actually find, the second year easier because they are used to solving problems, They expect difficulties and aten’t onr- prised by them. ‘There is yet another unpredictable variable in cultural adjust- meat, Sometimes people come to a second culture speaking the now language very well, but still do not have-an easy adjustment, The newcomers think that beomuse they have a good grasp of the lan- guage, they will not have much difficulty, In addition, if people think that the new country is very similar to theit “country of origin40 Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adjustment ie ii 10 when, in fact, it is not, they may actually adapt more slow ly, This is because the newcomers only imagine the “similarity between the two cultures, Therefore they isay deny that differences exist. Cultural differences do not go away, of coutse, just because a person donies. that they exist. A Ride on a Roller Coaster ‘What happons-to someone living-in a:different culture? The exparix snce'can bo like riding a roller coaster, People can experience -both elation and *depression in a very short period, They can “vacillate between loving and hatiig the new country. 0! wut not always, there is an *initial perfod when newcomers feel enthusiasm and excitement, The cultural differences they experience at fist can be “fascinating rather them troubling, At first, there is often a high Level of interest and motivation becatse the newcomers are eager to become familiar with the new culture, Life seems exciting, novel, exotié, and stitanlating. However, after while, the newness end Stratigeness of belig in another country can influence emotions in a Hiegative way. Maniy people in a new nultare de bot ietlize that thoiy piobleins, feelings, and mood changes-are common. ~~Cross-Cultural Conflict and“Adjustiné “@ fH When people are immersed in.a new culture, “culture shock {sa typical response, They should anticipate that-they-will- probably —— —- feol “bewildered and disoriented at times, This isnomsat-when pep» ——~ - ple neither speak the language nor understand the dotails of daily behavior. The newcomer may be unsure, for example, about when to. yshicke hands ot when to "embrace. In some casos, it may even be dif. ficult to know when a petson means “yes” or “no.” ire After all, people can become “overwhelmed when “deprived of overything that was once familiar. The adult trying to become *femil- far with another culture-thay fel like’a child. °Stress, “fatigne, and “tension, ara common-symptoms of culture shock. In most eases, however, at Jeast @ partial adjustment takes place, This adjustment (even if incomplete) allows the newcomer to function’and: some- times succeed in the new country. Certainly, there ars many. ¢xam- ples of successful adjustment among refugess, innnignaits, and oth+ ers who have settled. in the United States, Many have made yory “notable contributions to American society. 4 5 From Honeymoon to Culture Shock to Ittegration Reactions to a new culture vaty, but experience and research have shows, that there are “distinot stages in the adjustiient process. Visitors conting for short periods’ do not always experienes the same ‘intense pmotions a¢-do immigrants from another country. A short= term adjustinent for a one-year stay in a country could be represent ed by the following W-shaped “diagram? ‘The Adjustment Process in a New Culfure. w Hover a ° Aooey & invgton Aijustenent Q. Anta sdjusoent @ @ Cains Depression sick § a rscrmcauoactoamica Timefe- ‘The “W” pattern of adjustment can also apply to longer stays — {inelading permanent ones}in another culture, Bach stege in the adjustmont process is characterized by symptoms ov outward signs *typlfying certain kinds of behavior: 1, Honeymoon period: Initially many people are fascinated and excited by everything in the new culture, The newootter is elated to bozexporiencing a new culture, hiterestingly, this level of ela- {ion,may-not be reached again. The individuals are immersed i in new problems: housing, iransportation, amplopesnts shopping, and language, Mental fatigue results from continuausly “straining ta waderstand the new language and culture. Initial adjustment: Everyday activities suck es housing and shop- ping ate n6 longer major problems. The visitors may not yet ba fiient in the spoken language, but they cin now express their basit ideas and feelings. Mental isolation: Individuals have been away from theit family afid good frignds for a long time and may’ feel lonely, Many cans. sCross-Cultural Conflict and Adjustment 43 i native lan. ‘iduals remain at this ‘boon ableta find ajob. 5: Acceptance and ‘integration: A rautine (e.g, work, busiuess, or ” school) hes been established, The newcomers have become acouss toned to this habits, customs, foods, and chatacteristics of the People fu the ew calture, ‘They fool comfortable with friends, associates, and the langitage‘ia the new eovtry: I Individuals experience the stages of adjustinest in dilferent ways. Some people Hever éxperienoe a “honeymoon” period because the *crourpstances of their comitig to a new country may have boon. too painful. In addition, certain, stagés last longer for some than-for smaade Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adjustinent ai Sich factors as the new : age, larignage and cultural °compétence, support from family frienda, financial situetion, job status, and motivation for being in the new country. ik} Gan 4 person accelerate or skip some of the more difficult stages of adjustment? Some people can, yet others cammoi. This depenils on individuals’ ability to “copo with changes in their life, Change is easier for some people than for others. Whenever people happen te be experiencing a negative: stage of adjustment, they must be extremely patient atid let time do its work, fl How do people know that they are having problem: to the new culture? Typical “symptoms” iielude the folio adjusting A. Homesi¢kness 2. Inability to work well 3, Tod much eating, drinking, or sleeping 4, Angor toward the members of the new culture 5, °Clotifying the native culture aid emphasizing the negative in the new oultire 6, Withdrawal and avoidance of contact with people from the new culture 7, Lack of ability to-deal- with even sinall problems,Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adjustment — 45 ‘To a_certain extent, ali of these reactions are normal, and, in a healthy adjustment, shoyld be relatively short-term. When these IMI IN} responses last a long time or become °exeggerated, the person may find it difficult to fiction on a daily basis, The above list is not completo, The feader can probably think af more “symptoms.” Que of the most important things a newcomer can do to facili: tate adjustment is to try to develop social relationships with people from one's own countty, with-olher newcomers, and with membors of the new culture, It is “essential to try to develop a group of people with whom one can share new experiences, This is perhaps ono of the fastest ways to begin to feol more at vaso in another camby. Sonietimes newcomers are eager to intoprate arid, choose to give up thelr owa culture, (Some people rofar to this as “going native.")46 Cross-Cul {o} val Conflict and Adjustinent Others are fearful of cultural change y and * to their own cultural traditions. Both giving up one’s own. culate and clinging to one’s traditions may be extreme behavior, Studies on cross-cultural. adjustment suggest that maintaining a balance between ‘two. cultural patterns of behavior and beliefs can be helpful in the long term. If newcomers try'to become aware of quitural differericas and make some “medifications without attempting te change thetr basic péisonalily, thoy will probebly adjust fairly well to the new society. Ropecially ta the United States, where there is already se much diversity, the newcomer dogsn't naed to become a *“carbon, copy” of ari Amerioan ii order to be a part of the society. Newbomers cab retain thelr Individuality while becoming aware of differences, And, of course, some changes will have to ba mada, Feeling like a “fish oul of: water" shouldn't last forever. Comprehension Questions” The phrase “a fish out of water” refers to: [A] a. a person poorly adapted to his. or her own culture, ), the reaction of a. person living in a new culture, 9, a person who is adjusting well to.a new culture, s ‘The authors mention predictors of smooth cultural adjustment. Howaver, they also say that there can be surprises in people's cultural adaptation. What doss thismean? [B,C] a, People who come toa country without speaking the new lan guage fluently will not adapt as casily as those who do, ’b; Younger people adapt more quickly than older people. 6. Peoiile:can still have a difficult adjustment even if they seem “to “have itvall” (e.g, language fluency, support, eto,}, Language fluency does not guarantee smooth adjustment because: {0 a, language fluency is not difficult to achieve: bs. although language fluency is needed, also ishportant. c, language fluency is the least important part of cultural adap- fation, = tural fluency” is Tho copitdl Lotters in brackets rofer to the comeaponding paragraphs in the readingCross-Cultural Conflict and Adjustment 7 4. A person who is adjusting to another culture typically: [A, E] ____ a makes steady progress without having difficult tines. b. is continually depressed, ©. has“ups” and “downs,” 5. The sewnoss ofa country cam (E, F] a, be very interesting and motivating fon the newcomer. by be bovwildering and disedtenting for the newcomer, c. both (a) and (b) “* 6, What are common syinpioms of culture shock? {G]~- a. fatigue b. tension both (a) and {b) 7, Tn most people's exporionce ix another culture, what usually ‘takes place? [G] a: tolal adjustment hy, partial adjustment ©. [Link] #. The graph showing cultural adjustmantin Pataptaph His typical: of 4, all newcomers, travelers, end tinmigrants, 1b. some people who spend a yoer in another countiy. &. refugees who were forced to leave thelr countries, 9. Of the six stages indivaited, on the graph, whieh ts the most diffi- sult? {I} a) Gulture shook ‘b, mental isolation s.. honeymoon period 40. Why might some people never experience a “honeymoon” stage? [J] a, They may have never married, b, They may have been forced to leave their country, ¢, They might have to work immediately when they arrive,48 Cross-Cultural Conflect and Adjustment 14, Why do individuals have different rates of adjustment? —{&}-———— a, Because some people are extromely patient. b. Because the ability to cope with change varies among indi- viduals. c, Because some paople hate chango. 12. Which of the following are “symptoms” typical of adjustment difficulty? [L} a, Heading @ lot of steep; being unable to work well ‘b, having.a lot of extra energy; finding everything easy to do. . criticizing the mew culture ., both {a} and (c) 49, One of the fastest ways to begin to feel coiifortable in another soiuntey is: [MJ . to develop a group of friends from your own country, b, to share your experiences with one or two individuals. . fo davelop a gronp of friends, inchading poople from your awn vountry, other aeweomers, and members of the new society. 14; ‘To [Link] life in the United States, you should: [0] a, change your basic personality. b, become aware of differences arid inake somite changes, but still be yourself. ©, try to become a “carbon sopy” of the typical American, Discussion Questions Students should prepare these before class distuasion, 4. In Pazagraph A, the authors say that the emotions involved in adjusting to a new oulture can be alfected for soveral years. Why do you think cultaral adjustment can takeso long! Why do peo- ple sometimes feel that they have adjusted just weaks after they have arrived in the new country? 2. Paragraph A lists ten variables that effect people’s ability to adapt toa new culture, Can you think of others? Try to rank the items en the list [Link] of their importance, 3. According to Paragraph C, why might someone who has had an aay first year in anothor country find the second year move diffi cult?applios to cultural adjustment. He specific. © Cross-Cultural 4, Explain the roller coaster analogy doscribed in Paragraph E as it 5. Why do the authors state in Paragraphs F and G that it is nomal to exparionce “culture shock”? 6. In Paragraph J, the authors say that aot all people experience every stage in the “W* cycle of cultural adjustment, Give spacific examples of groups or individuals who muight skip one or more of the stages. Which stago(s) might they skip, and why? 7. Jn Patagraph 1, the authixs note some meactions to qulturnl adjast- wont that are typical but should be short-terin. What should peo- ple do if these symptoms gct in the way of daily life? Disouss, 8 What doos the tem “going native” used in Paragraph N moan, and why do newoomers “go jiative"? In your opinion, is it a good idea to “go native"? How do the anthors describe the opposite of “going native"? §, According to Paragiaph O, do the authors think that poople have to change: their. personality to adapt successfully to another cule ‘tute? What is-your dpinion? Vocabulary Exercises Vocabulary List As you read the Vocabulary list helow, find two o three wards you alneady know: Civo their definitions, Paragraph A Péragraph B Paragraph C emotional predictors obstacles adjustinent adaptation. motivallan background. flexible ‘tolerant ethnocentrism Paragraph D Paragtaph E Paragraph F country of origin elation culture shock similarity depression bewildered vacillate disoriented initial embrace fascinating epeeCultural Conflict and Adjustment : Paragraph G Paragraph H Pardgeiph I overs distinct - typifyng deprived, intense straining familiar dager isolation integration. Paragraph J Paragraph K Paragraph L efroumsiatices cops glorifying compelencie oxaggerated Paragrapte M Paragraph N Parageaph O essential oling modifications carbon copy A. Definitions Choose the cortect word for the definition from the list below. Thea fill in thé blonks in the sentences following the definitions. Noi You may have to change the-grimmatical form ofthe word [Link] the sentence: backwound {4} distinct [8] @tiniocentriom (A] diagram [H] prodictois (3) typing I obstacles [C] cope [K] culfure shook {F] essgntial [M] fatigne [Cl] cabonzopy [Ol tension, [G] ni deal with; handle —. For some newcertets, itis diffioult to _______. with the dotails of everyday life. 2 Defin Ie patent fight a Lot, it can. cause _— for the chil- 4. Definiti nervousness}. stress icin: things that opm tell the future Age and job status are both of a person's eultur- al adjustment. 4; Definition: necessary; inipertant — A positive attitude is. for success in a new country,Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adjustinent 5, Definition: pletury; Hine drawing 2 eee books help-to-clatify explanations — 5, Definition: a feeling of disorientation and confusion in a new ee cointry — is normal part of cultural adjustment, x . Definition: an attitude of aaliuval superiority. People who ate"... have a difficult time adjusting toa new culture, Dofitiition: barriers; blocks itis important to see ______ hefore trying to get around them. = 9. Definition: history; information affects his or hor ability to-do wall A. petson’s ine new count 40, Defiaition: If people get enough sleep and stay healthy, they can avoid redness; exhaustion ‘44. Definition: unique; individual; not like othais —. The authors say that ther are a newcomer’s adjustmetit. stages of ‘12. Definition: serving as a common example of; demonstrating MeDonald’s restaurants. _ * the American need for convenlence, 14, Definition; an exact repliea; the saine as another Is it possible to become part of a new society without becoming eee a B, Synonyms Choose the appropriate synonym from the list to replace the itali- cized word, and rewnite each sentence, Change tensa, singular and plural usage, and part of speech when necessary,$2 Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adjustment magnify famous psychological able to change likeness hold tightly accepting happiness sadness 4, Sha took her tinie and was very tolerant of her younger broth: er [A] 2. Many notable people were at tho United Netions meeting, [G] Itis normal to experience depression as part of cultural adjust- ment. {BE} ® 4, Gotting along with people is easter if you we flexible. [A] |. Emotional “ps” and “downs” are part of the roller covstor ride of adjustment. [A] er = The elation of the “honeymoon” period may only occur once, [E] Some syimptonis of oultire shock are exaggerated by small trou- bles, {L] = Some peojile-prafer to look at the similarity between thatr old cul. ture and theirnew culture, [0] e S Oldef people ating to traditions, while younger people want to let goofthem, {N} C. Multiple Choice Choose the word(s) that best define the italicized word.Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adjustment 53 1. Foreign studonts often vacillate betwacn loving and hating their new school, [EF] a, go back and forth 6 teview b, decide d. move /%, Lite in anew country can be faseinating when a person is curi- ous, [5] a. daring oy extremely interesting b. incomprehensible ~ di. extreinelly boring 3. In anew country, people and places aie not faniiliar to you, [GC] a. common, ©, easy b. known dd distant 4. A new neighborhood may make you feel bewildered, JF] a, amused © awkward b. confused a, silly 5. Your cultural competence will improve. if you make new friendly . Sroui that cnlture. © {}) a. ghoup fe writing b. knowledge dy strength. 6. Ifyou ate deprived of sleep, you will be tired, (6). a, not allowed c resentful by desirous a looking forward ta. 7, Anewoomer cannot always adjust quiekly. {A} i. resist G Tetteat b. change di. change 8, The initial stage of cultural adjustivent is called the “honey- moon.” {E] & ote . first: b. last d, main B. Word Forma Choose the cortect word form for each sentence, 4, to adapt, adaptation, adapted [B] a, She she liked it so much, ‘to her new apartment quickly becauseG4 Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adjustinent ». Wisi Ge takes time and patience. way to anew country. 2, ta embrace, embrace, embracing {F] a, An between close friends is common in America. b. In some countiies, fa boy is sean his girls Sriend,-he can get-in troitile: & But, iit many entintries, it is acceptable your parents, 2, glorifying, glorifies [L] a, She is slways .________ the United States, but [Link] not ‘know how she teally dels, , He constantly —-__.._. his native country and makes it ‘ound so good, 4, btross, stressed. [G] a. My boss is under @ lot of because if is tax fime. 4 She would not beso... if she worked fewer hours, 5, motivation, ta motivate,anotivated [A] a. A good teacher tries b. In high school, Ewas wot — c. In America, a person must avd @ lot of sncoed, her students to do well. to. 6, disoriented, disotient [F] a, Along airplane ride can a person. ho Hf you are Iucky, you will not be _____._. for a Jong time, - %. straining, strains, strained [I] a, When he does not wear his eyeglasses, he —____. his eyes, ‘b. The two students did not talk for a long time, and their friend- ship was& Cross-Cultural Conflict and Adjusiment 55 ———. 10 understand @ foreign language all: day long is extremely tring. & interise, intensive [H} a, Some people experience ______. emotions when they * come toa new country, b, —_______ language courses can help people loam a new language quickly. 9. overwhelined, overwhelm, {6} quiet pevy! the Statue of Liberty a. Lowa peaple can b. Twas! whan I fizs E, Words in Sentences Read the definition of the following words and note their part of speech. Than use each one in a sentense, 4, country of origin (B): the countzy in which ons is born Gown) 2, isolation fll: separation; being alone (noun) 3, integrate [1]: to blend into; to betome part of (verb) 4, circumstances [J]: details of a situation (noun) sect modifications {0}; changes (noun) Conversational Activities A, Cultural Adjustment Cycle The following are direct quotes from poople ¥ ag or living in the United States.? Based on the information i the reading (soe pp. 37-46), what stages in the cultural adjustment eycle are they experi encing?Frankly speaking, Ido wot feo! that ere ere many pleasures for jie i the United States right now, Tam still seriously homesick, but I dm getting better. | understand that this is the adjustment perfod, Hopefully, 1 will be back to stormal soon. J think that when shock and frustration fade away, confidence and certainty of feeling will appear. I do believe that, thete are pleasures await ing me." Stage of adjustment BP “hy feelings shout living in a new country ave quite complicated, but f can put them in-one word: ‘marvelous.’ Everyihing séeits wouderfal and ftesh to me, You can always leam something new" every minule, Aud you can never tell, what will happen the next minute.” Stage-of adjustment _____. “When J antived in this country T could only say, “Thank you" ad. ‘Good-bye.’ In spite of that, T had: to get an apartiient. My: sittia- tion was réally miserable because T couldn't understand what the mianagars were saying: They spoke'so fast that I didn’t understand anything, except OK? or ‘All right?” T-alinost started crying like a child on the street,” Stage of adjistiient cS Discuss How do the above teactions eontpare with yours er with those of people you know? B, Cultural Re-entry Adjustinent