Question

Based on my experience as an immigrant, here are five aspects of culture shock you may have to overcome: The language barrier or the communication barrier is by far one of the most difficult obstacles that most newcomers face. It is not uncommon for even those who speak English to experience a sort of reticence when it comes to speaking openly. Sometimes it’s not just knowing English, it is how it is spoken or pronounced. Getting accustomed to new dressing habits is another shocker for some. One of my neighbours who was so used to being draped in a saree initially found it preposterous to wear jeans. But, after a few days of walking in the wind, she shyly brought home a pair of blue jeans. “If it helps my legs to keep warm, why not?” she laughed. “Congratulations, my friend, you have just completed your first adjustment course,” I heard myself say. The technology gap is another area where some newcomers have a hard adjustment, especially for those who are not used to working on computers or applications. A good friend of mine was used to having his assistant draft reports and business correspondence at his job back home and felt intimidated when he had to “do everything” himself in his new job in Canada. Personally I had a tough time accepting that most people prefer to text more, reserving the phone call for more detailed conversations, planning or problem-solving. Socially accepted behavior is yet another learning issue. This includes using certain expressions and body language. Asking why someone is not yet married or how many children one has might seem “normal” in certain ethnic cultures, but here, they are just too personal! For me, it was a totally different shock altogether: the climate shock. Oh yes, after having lived in Dubai for almost seven years, everything under 20 degrees Celsius felt freezing to me. I landed in Calgary in June 2011 and by July when Calgarians wore T-shirts and shorts, I was still wearing my black jacket and walked around with my hands in my pockets. Needless to say, I stuck out like a sore thumb (me destacaba como algo insólito) Last piece of advice based on my experience: dealing with culture shock with an open and positive attitude can go a long way in overcoming the shock. While it is perfectly normal to love one’s ethnic culture, try as much as possible not to end up being ethnocentric. It is definitely comforting to hang around with fellow nationals and create a sort of informal ethnic community, but always be cognizant that you have made a choice to immigrate to a new country. It is unfair to expect your new country to accept you when you don´t want to accept it. So, get out of your comfort zone and blend in (integrate)! Be a culture shock absorber! 1. ¿Cual es la idea principal?

Answer 1

What is the main idea?

Culture shock aspects that immigrants may overcome.

Remember: The main idea of a paragraph is the primary point or concept that the author wants to communicate to the readers about the topic.

Espero te sirva. Si es así, por favor házmelo saber.

Saludos,

S.