Instructor: Nadia Esque
Writing/Grammar 4A
Date: 04/04/2014
The Effects of Cultural Shock Last year, when I came to the U.S. in my first month, I felt as if I lived in American TV shows because of the English environment. Therefore, I really needed some time to fit in. Do you think a culture would be shocking? In my opinion, I had culture shock which made me adjust to a new language environment, learn different customs, and build new exercise habits and food preferences. Adjusting to a new language environment is the first effect for foreign students who come to America. American people speak very quickly, and there are many words and much slang language, so most international students are incapable of adapting to the circumstances immediately. Therefore, over a period of time, some students still don’t understand what people around them say, at the same time they feel lonely. Other students can become accustomed to the new conditions in their exchanges with students and teachers, so they have gained many friends since they arrived. What’s more, culture shock has an effect on learning different culture and customs. Firstly, student-teacher in America is different as they were in China. Chinese teachers seem to be serious. Students don’t show themselves until being specially called for. On the contrary, American teachers are friendly, and they encourage everyone to speak freely about their minds. American students are more active. For instance, when I am in class, I try to sit in the front most of the time so as to participate. I am not afraid of mistakes, so that I can accommodate to the new studying conditions as fast as I can. In addition, body contact can be another effect concerning culture shock. For example, in my country, people rarely kiss somebody in public places. Although I was very surprised to see people kissing each other in the cinema, I perceive this is expression people show affection. I am obliged to adapt