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WHAT CULTURE SHOCK LOOKS LIKE.Cultural shock need not be unpleasant; it can also be one of those nice moments that occur out of the blue to remind you that Malaysia is different to what you have experienced in other countries. |
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Everyone experiences the symptoms of culture shock somewhat differently. There are real physical and psychological impacts of arriving in a new culture. You will be afflicted by ailments without apparent origin, such as headaches, loss of appetite, fatigue and diarrhoea. All your senses are on full alert with new sights, sounds, smells and tastes. Your metabolism may take months to adapt to a new climate. Even while you sleep the environment impacts on your senses, possibly influencing your dreams.
Your behaviour towards other people may take a turn for the worse. You feel impatient when they don't speak your language and become angry when their systems of work are different (and seemingly wrong). Although you consider yourself non-racist you find yourself using generalisations about the locals; "they" are rude, dirty and "they" don't like me. This can be quite a shock to your self-image. Moving overseas presents many challenges big and small, that take you way out of your comfort zone, extending you to achieve extraordinary things. In order to feel comfortable again it is necessary to become familiar with the terrain and adapt to the new environment. When you feel uncomfortable or even completely miserable, it might be reassuring to know that something is happening to you, that you are growing into a more worldly person. You see the victims of culture shock everyday; expats crying into their beers complaining to another expat that the maid is not up to scratch while lamenting the fact that both the beer and the food is too hot. Culture shock also rears its ugly head while trying to communicate with a local whose command of the English language may not be too brilliant. In this case, culture shocked people usually talk more loudly and become physically animated. This usually results in bewilderment on the part of the local and the expat storming off mumbling things under their breath. At the end of the day, only one person comes out of this looking silly. Of course things are done differently here, that's the attraction. Locals don't need to be reminded by you that back home, this and that are done better. You think that they may not know this? One of the best things about living overseas is the exchange of ideas and thoughts - locals will pick up some of your good ideas and you will do the same. At the end of the day, everyone benefits. |
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One of the attractions of working overseas in a country like Malaysia is that you will be continually challenged by different experiences. Some of these will be good and some will be less than memorable. Cultural shock occurs for many reasons. No matter which country you visit, things will never be done in the same manner as they are "back home". This is a given fact, so don't fight it.
Before leaving home, familiarise yourself with the new culture you'll soon be living in. Read books, talk to people who have been there, explore this Web site. Find out about the living conditions of local people, the political situation, the currency, climate and what the cuisine is like. Pick up a phrase book and start practicing counting and simple greetings.
Most expats come to Malaysia because they want to. If this is the case, when you feel an attack of the "expat blues", remind yourself why you wanted to come here in the first place. Chances are you came to Malaysia to experience a different culture - food, people, destinations, arts etc. One of the worst cures for "expat blues" is to seek the advice of another expat with the blues - your complaints will magnify out of all proportions! Stage 1 The Honeymoon lasts from 2 to 8 weeks, you might even miss it. |