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Cultural Information Cultural Shock "Cultural Shock" is the name given to the feeling of disorientation or confusion that often occurs when a person moves from a familiar environment to a new setting where language, food, clothing and even manners are very different. If you can recognize that this normal experience is happening to you, you can be prepared for what you will be feeling and can be reassured that those feelings will pass quickly. Above all culture shock is NOT fatal. We have listed some things that will help you become adjusted to things in the U.S. while you are visiting us. Included is ways are Recovery from the Cultural Shock, American Values, Informality, Directness, Time, and Social Customs.
You can decide when to end culture shock. When you come to the realization that you are spending a short period in the U.S., that you are not an American and that you do not have to act like one, you will be coming to the end of your culture shock. The crisis is over and you begin to adjust to your new surroundings. The first step may come so gradually that you might not even be aware of it. You become interested in and sensitive to the American way of life and Americans. Your sense of humor returns and you realize the situation is not hopeless. You may even begin to joke about your new situation and the difficulties you first went through. Here are some helpful thoughts to guide you through this rough period:
American Values Individualism is probably one of the most highly esteemed values in American Culture and is an important key to understanding American behavior. In the historical development of the country, individuals expanded the frontiers and rugged individuality was crucial for survival. If you asked Americans to characterize the ideal person, they would use adjectives such as independent of self-reliant. Persons tend to be viewed as individuals rather than as representatives of a family or a group. Children are taught at a very early age to do things for and by themselves, and to "become independent". Informality In some ways the emphasis on the individual rather than the family or group had led to a more informal society. Sometimes this lack of formality is viewed by members of other cultures as a sign of lick of respect, but that is not the intention in the American value system, This casualness is intended to put people at ease.
Directness Honestly and frankness are more integral to American culture that saving face. Americans are quick to get to the point and may not spend much time on polite social talk, as do many nationalities. Americans also tend to ask a lot of questions, some of which may appear to be unusual, uninformed, or elementary. Try to be patient in answering them, as the person is probably genuinely interested in knowing more about you. It is particularly interesting to see what gestures have culturally become associated with honesty.
Time Great value is attached to time in the U.S. in both business and leisure situations. Americans are very particular about how to use and spend time. (It is a precious commodity since time must be budgeted", "saved" and "accounted for") Punctuality is considered an important attribute since it allows you to show you respect for someone else's time. By arriving "on time" or within certain accepted social standards, you are not "wasting" someone else's time or surpassing a certain courtesy point. In the U.S., you should be present for business appointments at the exact agreed upon time. For social appointments you can arrive 10 to 15 minutes after the arranged time without offending anyone. If you are invited somewhere for a meal and will be more that 15 minutes late, you will have to offer an apology and an explanation upon arrival. A telephone call is common courtesy if you will be arriving later than this both social and business situations. Social Customs Just as values differ somewhat form one culture to another, so do the personal habits associated with good manners and courtesy. While very often there does not seem to be any one particular way of doing something for it to be considered good manners, (observing the cultural rituals and rules will make Americans feel more comfortable with you and therefore you with them. It is of course, impossible to coverall the possibilities here, If you are unsure in a situation just ask someone to explain it to you. It is not a sign of weakness to not know an answer or to ask question. Also Americans like to be helpful.
Men generally do not hold hands or link arms in public with other men. This is somewhat acceptable between women and quite common between men and women. If you are invited for a meal and observe certain dietary restrictions, it is best to inform your host ahead of time. Refusal of food at the time of the meal would offend your host.
Money The US currency, unlike the Malaysian ringgit, is the same size and color. The amount is printed on the front and each type of bill is decorated with a picture of an American president (For example, George Washington on the $1 bill, Abraham Lincoln on the $5 and Thomas Jefferson on the $20 ). The coins (or "change") do not have numbers on them. They are written out. The 35 cent piece is called a "quarter" (for a quarter of a dollar): the 10 cent piece, a "dime"; the 5 cent, a "nickel"; and the one cent, a "penny". Note that the nickel is larger that the dime. The American Postal System Mail is delivered once a day except on Sundays and public holidays. Stamps may be purchase from the post office or vending machines. Make sure the zip code (post code) is correct and don't forget to put your address on the top left corner of the envelope. If your address has changed, be sure to inform the post office by filling out a change of address card. This will ensure that your mail will be forwarded. Post office hours are form 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. noon on Saturdays. The collections hours are posted on the inside flap of the mailbox. Look for the blue box on the sidewalks with the post office logo on its side. Telephone System US phone numbers have 7digits. The first three digits are called the "prefix", followed by 4 numbers which is the number assigned tot he phone. Sometimes you will see 3 numbers in parentheses, this the area code. ex: (604) 234-5678. When making a long distance call you must use all 10 numbers with a 1 at the beginning. EX. 1-604-234-5678 The directory information number for long distance calls is: 1 (area code) 555-1212. (For area code information, check the telephone directory), Emergency Numbers Be sure to keep emergency numbers by the phone at all times. The emergency service is 911. Toll Free Numbers These are numbers with (800, 888, 877) for the area code. You do not have to pay for this type of call because the party you call pays for the call. The Telephone Directory The White pages list ht names of telephone subscribers. Unlike Malaysian directories, you would have to find the person under his/her last name. EX: John Smith would be listed under "Smith". The yellow pages in larger cities is often separated from the white pages. **** SHOULD YOU DIAL THE WRONG NUMBER WHEN MAKING A LONG DISTANCE CALL, CALL THE OPERATOR ,"0", AND YOUR CALL WILL BE CREDITED IMMEDIATELY Electrical Appliances It is not practical to bring electrical items because the US uses 110 voltage. Appliances like hairdryers, curling irons, etc. are fairly inexpensive in the US. Tipping The standard tip for restaurants and cabs is 15%. It is not necessary to tip fast food restaurants or cafeterias. The airport porters (should be tipped 50 cents per bag. If you have your car parked by a valet service, the attendant should be tipped a dollar or two. You should never tip government officials, customs officers, hotel desk clerks, bus drivers, gas station attendants, flight attendants, salespeople, mail carriers, to name a few. This brief discussion of a few of the values which affect how Americans behave is merely an introduction to get you started. Most travelers report that living in another culture, seeing that there is more than one way to do almost everything, ,makes them more aware of their own culture, values and assumption. The goal is not to accept or adopt American values and behaviors; it is to understand another culture and thereby own culture more fully.
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