Legal definition of Culture shock

Culture shock refers to a profound and sometimes destabilizing feeling of disorientation that emerges when an individual moves to a new country with a culturally different environment from their own. This results in a sense of uncertainty, confusion, and anxiety.

Following Oberg’s model, culture shock manifests in four phases: the honeymoon phase, negotiation phase, adjustment phase, and adaptation phase. During the honeymoon phase, cultural differences are often perceived in a romantic light. This idealized view can quickly fade, giving way to feelings of irritability. During this period, individuals may feel disconnected from their environment. They encounter difficulties with language barriers, social norms, and dietary habits, among other things. However, over time, they gradually adapt, and routines develop. Cultural differences begin to be better understood and accepted.

To overcome culture shock, immigrants have various options. Experts generally advise maintaining contact with family and friends from one’s home country or seeking out communities with a similar culture. It is also possible to quickly engage in actively learning the customs and norms of the new environment. Ultimately, recognizing the richness of cultural differences and being open to the unknown remains the best solution for quickly overcoming culture shock. This facilitates the adaptation process and promotes successful integration.

Etymology of Culture shock

The expression “culture shock” finds its roots in the Latin word “cultura,” meaning “cultivation,” and the French word “choquer,” which means “to strike against.” By combining these terms, “culture shock” metaphorically evokes the feeling of disorientation and surprise experienced when a person is confronted with a culture different from their own, akin to a sudden blow or abrupt disruption to their usual expectations and perceptions.