This document discusses several key aspects of cultural differences, including individualism vs collectivism, high-context vs low-context communication, power distance, and uncertainty avoidance. It also covers culture shock, describing the typical stages people experience when adjusting to a new culture like the honeymoon stage, irritability, gradual adjustment, and adaptation. Finally, it provides signs of culture shock and tips for dealing with culture shock, such as getting involved in activities, embracing the new culture, and reaching out for support.

1. Cultural Differences

2. Individualism vs. Collectivism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW
7aWKXB5J4

3. Individualism—Collectivism
(Neuliep, chapter 2)
 How do individuals perceive themselves?
“I am distinct and unique.”
“I am a member of a family.”
 How do individuals relate to others?
“What do I gain?”
“How will this affect others?”
 What goals do they follow?
“I want to win.”
“I am a team player to help the group win.”
 What drives their behavior?
“It is my right to do this.”
“My duty is to my group.”

4. High Context vs. Low Context
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oYfhTC9
lIQ

5. High-Context vs. Low-Context
(Neuliep, chapter 2)
•Restricted code
 Silence is valued
 Indirect, implicit
messages
 Examples: China,
Vietnam, and many
African cultures.
 Elaborated code
 Silence is
uncomfortable
 Direct, explicit
messages
 Examples: the U.S.,
Switzerland, and
France

6. Low vs. High Power Distance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqaa42gbqhA

7. Power Distance
(Neuliep, chapter 2)
Although many cultures declare and even
legislate equality for their members all
cultures must deal with the issue of human
inequality… Inequality can occur in area
such as prestige, wealth, power, human
rights, and technology, among others.
Issues of inequality fall within the rubric of
what Hotstede calls “power distance”

8. Uncertainty Avoidance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZF6
LyGne7Q

9. Uncertainty Avoidance High-Context vs.
Low-Context
(Neuliep, chapter 2)
… the degree to which the
members of a particular culture
feel threatened by uncertain or
unknown situations. … Cultures are
seen as possessing either weak or
strong uncertainty avoidance
orientations.

10. https://www.hofstede-insights.com/

11. Serving with Eyes Wide Open (Livermore, p.125)

12. Review- Ministering Cross-Culturally
(Summary of Lingenfelter and Mayers)
Time Orientation Event Orientation
Dichotomistic Holistic Thinking
Thinking
Crisis Orientation Non-Crisis orientation
Task Orientation Person Orientation
Achievement Focus Status Focus
Exposure of Vulnerability Concealment of Vulnerability
Vulnerability

13. CULTURE SHOCK

14. Culture Shock
Culture shock is the personal disorientation a
person may feel when experiencing an
unfamiliar way of life due to immigration or a
visit to a new country, a move between social
environments, or simply travel to another type
of life. One of the most common causes of
culture shock involves individuals in a foreign
environment.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_shock

15. Stages of Culture Shock Stages and Symptoms of Culture Shock -
International Student Advising and Programs - Simon Fraser University (sfu.ca)
1.The Honeymoon Stage - You are very positive, curious, and
anticipate new exciting experiences. You even idealize the host
culture.
2.Irritability and Hostility - You start to feel that what is different
is actually inferior. The host culture is confusing or the systems
are frustrating. It's a small step from saying that they do things in
a different way to saying that they do things in a stupid way. You
may blame your frustrations on the new culture (and its
shortcomings) rather than on the adaptation process.
3.Gradual Adjustment - You feel more relaxed and develop a more
balanced, objective view of your experience.
4.Adaptation of Biculturalism - You feel a new sense of belonging
and sensitivity to the host culture.

16. Sign of Cultural Shock
Dealing with Culture Shock | Insurance Explained
(internationalstudentinsurance.com)
• Homesickness
• You miss your family and friends back home and you may want to be back in the
familiarity of home.
• Change in appetite or weight
• Your eating and drinking habits have changed, and you are either eating and
drinking too much, or not eating much at all.
• Irritability
• The littlest of things can make you mad, and sometimes yell out in frustration.
• Boredom
• You have no desire to explore the new town or culture you are living in, and spend
much of your time inside.
• Hostility and stereotyping
• You do not like the people in your host country and avoid making new friends.
• Inability to work efficiently
• You are low energy and are unmotivated to work on new projects.

17. Signs of Culture Shock: Dealing with Culture Shock | Insurance
Explained (internationalstudentinsurance.com)
• Conflicts with others
• You may find yourself in a bad mood and in more confrontations than usual.
• Unexplained crying, depression, or feel out of control
• You are depressed, and have unexplained crying. You may also notice physical problems related
to stress or anxiety, and may not feel like you are in control of your environment.
• Vulnerable, fearful, or anxious
• You feel scared, nervous, or vulnerable in your new environment or when talking to native people.
• Headaches, pains, and allergies
• Sleeping too much or too little
• You are unwilling to leave your room or your bed.
• Idealizing your own culture
• You feel that everything was better back home.
• Trying too hard
• You become obsessed with the new culture in an effort to adapt.
• Questioning your decision
• You're no longer sure that choosing to study internationally was a good idea.

18. Dealing with Culture Shock: Dealing with Culture Shock |
Insurance Explained (internationalstudentinsurance.com)
• There are many different ways to deal with culture shock, which
luckily generally lasts just a few weeks. If you find yourself struggling
with culture shock, you can:
• Get Involved: What are some of the things you love to do? Not only will
this get you out of the house, but it's also a great opportunity to meet
people and make friends who share your interests.
• Talk to People: If you're feeling overwhelmed, the best thing you can
do is talk to other people.

19. Dealing with Culture Shock: Dealing with Culture Shock |
Insurance Explained (internationalstudentinsurance.com)
• Embrace the Culture:
Sometimes things just annoy us because we don't understand the rationale behind
them. Taking the time to understand the culture and traditions of your new home
and finding out why something is done a certain way will help you gain a new
understanding of culture.
• Figure out how you're going to communicate with people.
• You might also want to bring some memorabilia from home with you: things like
photos, posters, music, or artwork can help make your new home feel like your
old home.
• Reach Out for Support: Don't forget that there are a lot of people and
resources there to support you.

20. Characteristics of a Well-Adjusted Person
• A sense of individuality
• A sense of independence
• Confidence in both yourself and others
• Acceptance of both yourself and others
• A sense of security
• A sense of responsibility and accepting the
consequences of your actions
• Being sensitive to the needs of others
• A sense of direction
• A problem-solving attitude

21. Bibliography
• Lingenfelter, Sherwood G. and Mayers, Marvin K. Ministering
Cross-Culturally, 2nd Ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic,
2003.
• Livermore, David A. Serving With Eyes Wide Open. Grand
Rapids: Baker Books, 2006.
• Neuliep, James. “Intercultural Communication,” chapter 2.
The Cultural Context. 5th Ed. Los Angeles: Sage
Publishing, 2009.