Psychologists tell us that there are four basic stages that human beings pass through when they enter
and live in a new culture. This process, which helps us to deal with culture shock, is the way our brain
and our personality react to the strange new things we encounter when we move from one culture to
another.
Culture begins with the "honeymoon stage". 1 _____. We are thrilled to be in the new environment,
seeing new sights, hearing new sounds and language, eating new kinds of food. 2_____.
3______. After we have settled down into our new life, we can become very tired and begin to miss
our homeland and our family, friends, pets. All the little problems in life seem to be much bigger and more disturbing when you face them in a foreign culture. This period of cultural adjustment can be very difficult
and lead to the new arrival rejecting or pulling away from the new culture.
The third stage is called the "adjustment stage". 4_____. Your sense of humour usually becomes
stronger and you realize that you are becoming stronger by learning to take care of yourself in the new
place. Things are still difficult, but you are now a survivor!
The fourth stage can be called "at ease at last". Now you feel quite comfortable in your new
surroundings. 5_____. You may still have problems with the language, but you know you are strong
enough to deal with them.
A.You can cope with most problems that occur.
B.This is when you begin to realize that things are not so bad in the host culture.
C. It is extremely difficult to get through the first stage of culture.
D. You may feel sad, anxious, frustrated, and want to go home.
E. Unfortunately, the second stage can be more difficult.
F. This stage can last for quite a long time because we feel we are involved in some kind of great
adventure.
G.This is the period of time when we first arrive in which everything about the new culture is strange and
exciting.
