Have you ever found yourself in a different place or clime from yours and you were confused, felt lost and shocked by the lifestyle of people in that place or society? It is called culture shock.
How do you prepare for or handle culture shock?
- When planning to visit a new place either for a professional or fun visit read up about the culture, beliefs, and practices of the people living in the place you are visiting.
- Find out from others who have been to such places or simply Google…the information hub for the modern day society.
- Get interested in and engage people living in the new culture about their way of life, soon you will make friends and you become more comfortable.
- Come to respect the culture
- You don’t have to lose yourself in a new culture; be yourself and show others what your own culture looks like by wearing your attire sometimes if appropriate in the setting.
- Know what is acceptable and unacceptable in the new culture in order to know how to behave appropriately and not come across as rude or offensive.
People are different and believe differently this doesn’t make them superior, less important or bad. Understand that your way of life is one out of many other cultures in the world.
As we celebrate another World Cultural Day, let’s reach out across our table and learn more about others.
Understanding and acceptance help to promote peace and development.
Adebisi Adetunji (C) Founder Beehyve Empowerment and Development Initiative. Media content provider, Trainer & consultant, Behavioral Change Radio Drama, Communication4Development, Social Media Influencer
Catch me on Twitter @DebisiBusybee
Facebook & email – bisimodupe1975@gmail.com
