Adjusting to the Familiar: The Challenges of Overcoming Culture Shock in Your Native Land
Adjusting to the Familiar: The Challenges of Overcoming Culture Shock in Your Native Land
Adjusting to the Familiar: The Challenges of Overcoming Culture Shock in Your Native Land
As strange as it may sound, adjusting to your native culture after living away from it for an extended period can be challenging. After all, you are going back to familiar people, language, and customs. However, reverse culture shock is real, and the experience can be mentally and emotionally draining. So, how can you cope with this unexpected phenomenon? In this article, we examine the various challenges of overcoming culture shock in your native land.
1. Too Familiar to be Strange.
One of the most significant challenges of overcoming culture shock in your native culture is that things that used to be strange are no longer that way. For instance, you might have become accustomed to driving on the other side of the road or hearing a different language other than your native one. However, when returning home, the familiarity of your surrounding can make it challenging to adjust to certain aspects that you once found strange.
2. Changed Environment and People
People and environments change. Therefore, returning to a place that you once knew may feel unfamiliar. Things may have evolved since you left, making it challenging to keep up with new trends or adjust to the new personalities of people you interacted with. This can lead to unease and frustration, making it hard to fit in.
3. Feelings of Isolation
Reverse culture shock can make you feel like you are the only one who has changed, making it hard to connect with your old friends, family, or colleagues. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, alienation, and anxiety, all of which exacerbate the emotional toll of returning home.
4. Value Conflicts Raising Tension
Culture shock can also arise from conflicts in cultural values, which can cause tension, especially when interacting with people who have clashing values. For instance, you may have acquired new ways of thinking, such as environmental consciousness or gender equality. These perspectives may be at odds with the culture of your home, which can lead to debates or misunderstandings.
Managing Culture Shock
The process of readjusting to your native culture after living abroad can be challenging, but with effort and patience, you can make the transition smoother. Here are some tips:
1. Keep an Open Mind
Be open to the possibility that this experience may not be easy; however, there is a likelihood that you will enjoy it if you approach it positively.
2. Seek Support
Find friends or family who have had similar experience or can listen to you whenever you feel overwhelmed. They may offer insights and advice that can help you cope.
3. Explore your Surrounding
Engage in activities or pastimes that remind you why you loved your culture in the first place. Connecting with familiar places or things may help you find comfort and some sense of familiarity in your environment.
4. Learning new things
Taking classes on different topics or learning new skills can help keep your mind engaged, busy, and help you meet people.
Conclusion
Adapting to your native culture after living away can be challenging. However, acknowledging that reverse culture shock is a valid issue can help you adjust your expectations and minimize negative feelings. By keeping an open mind, seeking support, exploring your surrounding, and learning new things, you can overcome the obstacle of readjusting to your native culture after living abroad.
the culture shock is the period of adjustment when someone moves back to his country
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