I.

Introduction
II. Body

II.1. Definitions

II.1.1. Culture shock refers to feelings of uncertainty, confusion, or anxiety that people
may experience when moving to a new country or experiencing a new culture or
surroundings. This cultural adjustment is normal and is the result of being in an
unfamiliar environment. (Investopedia) – Sốc văn hóa

II.1.2. Ethnocentrism is a term applied to the cultural or ethnic bias - whether conscious
or unconscious - in which an individual views the world from the perspective of his or
her own group, establishing the in-group as archetypal and rating all other groups with
reference to this ideal. (Oxford Bibliographies): chủ nghĩa vị chủng/ chủ nghĩa duy
chủng tốc

II.1.3. Misinterpretation is the failure to understand or interpret something correctly.

(Merriam-Webster) – Sự hiểu sai/ sự dịch sai

II.1.4. Stereotypes are characteristics imposed upon groups of people because of their
race, nationality, and sexual orientation. (ThoughtCo) – hình mẫu

II.1.5. Prejudice is an unjustified attitude or opinion, usually a negative one, directed

toward an individual for something the individual cannot control. (Legal Dictionary) –
định kiến, thành kiến

II.1.6. Emotional isolation occurs when someone is unable or unwilling to share their
emotions with others. (GoodTherapy) – Sự cô lập

II.1.7. Honeymoon period is the short amount of time at the beginning of a new
relationship, activity, or pursuit when everything goes well and seems to be free of
problems. (ThefreeDictionary) – Giai đoạn đầu, giai đoạn làm quen

II.1.8. Cultural-toughness refers to the living standard of the foreign country and it is
suggested that the larger the discrepancy in living standards between the home and
foreign country, the more difficult the adjustment process. (Perceptive of Expatriation
and Cross-Cultural Adjustment): sự cứng nhắc về văn hóa

II.1.9. Cognitive feeling: is a loose class of experiences with some commonality in their
phenomenology, representational content, and function in the mental economy. (Oxford
Reference) – nhận thức cảm tính

II.2. Idioms.

II.2.1. To pass with the flying colors: Vượt qua với điểm số cao

→ To win, achieve, or accomplish something exceptionally well or very successfully

II.2.2. See eye to eye: Có cùng quan điểm .

→ See eye to eye: to have or come to the same opinion or point of view

II.2.3. Get into hot water: Dấn thân vào nguy hiểm

→ To get in trouble, or into an embarrassing situation.

II.2.4. Blow off some steam: Thư giản

→ To release strong emotions or energy by engaging in some kind of enjoyable,

vigorous, or relaxing activity

II.2.5. Break the ice: Khuấy động không khí

→ Do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going at the start of a

party or when people meet for the first time.

II.2.6. Put one’s food in it: Vô tình làm điều gì khiến ai đó xấu hổ hoặc khó chịu → To
say something that causes someone to be embarrassed, upset, or hurt especially when
the speaker did not expect that reaction

II.2.7. Get on like a house on fire: Làm thân rất nhanh với ai đó

→ Quickly develop a very friendly relationship with somebody

II.2.8. Be like a fish out of water: Lạc lõng

→ A person away from his or her usual environment or activities

II.2.9. A real eye-opener : Làm cho ai đó sáng mắt, tỉnh ngộ

→ Something that surprises you and teaches you new facts about life, people, etc

II.2.10. To have butterfly in one’ stomach: cảm thấy lo lắng, bồn chồn.

→ To feel very nervous, usually about something you are going to do

II.3.Proverbs

II.3.1. There is no people without sons as there is no land without flowers => Sexism is
a form of discrimination based on gender in the head (English: Sexism), in which men
are seen as having a more important role than women. (Kazakhstan) : Một người không
có con trai như một vùng đất không có hoa

II.3.2. Wisdom isn’t at age, it’s on the head (Turkey): Sự khôn ngoan không đến từ tuổi
tác mà đến từ cách suy nghĩ. = Wisdom doesn’t come with age. =>A person doesn’t
need to be old in order to think wisely, or to realize what’s going on. Using one’s brain
and learning from experience leads to wisdom. Therefore, a person is not wise just
because they’re old; a person who is young may also be wise.

II.3.3. If mind is clean, fate is good (Mongolian): Nếu tâm bạn sạch, bạn sẽ có một số
phận tốt. => If the mind is clean, fate is good. Meaning: If someone's intentions are
clean, they are destined for good things.

II.3.4. A day of traveling will bring a basketful of learning (VietNam): Đi một ngày
đàng học một sàng khôn => Just walking for a day (meaning that the time is short and
the distance is not far compared to where we live), we have learned a lot of knowledge.

II.3.5. It is impossible to wake up someone who ‘s just pretending to be asleep.

(Filipino) Không thể đánh thức một người đang giả vờ ngủ. => This Filipino proverb
simply means that you cannot force someone to believe facts when they don't want to.
Sometimes, there is something about the truth that some people just don't like to bear.

II.3.6. When in Rome, do as the Romans do (Rome): Nhập gia tùy tục => when you are
visiting another place, you should follow the customs of the people in that place

II.3.7. A stranger nearby is better than a far-away relative (Vietnam): Bán Anh em xa
mua láng giềng gần. =>The proverb is meant to advise people to live in a meaningful
and happy relationship with their neighbors. Because relatives, even though they are
close, by blood, but are far away, if there is an urgent or serious matter, they cannot be
there as quickly to help as outsiders but are close to them.

II.3.8. A fool says what he knows and a wise man knows what he says (Yiddish): Kẻ
ngốc nói những thứ họ biết, người khôn ngoan biết những gì họ nói. => This refers to
fool people who lack understanding, narrow knowledge, like to show off and consider
themselves intelligent. And wise man with wide knowledge only speak beautiful words,
words with gravity

II.4. Cases of cultural shock :

Today, many people travel or move abroad to work, study, relax, do business or seek
refuge. When exposed to unfamiliar languages, cultures, values, norms, customs,
practices, behaviors, climates and environments, transition has an impact on the
individual. Culture shock affects a person through linguistic, sociocultural,
psychological, and physical challenges.

As a physical and emotional reaction to a complex set of unpleasant changes, culture

shock can manifest in many cases :

1. Unable to integrate into society :

- Feeling disoriented, wondering if I came here right or wrong

-Doesn't want to be in contact with anyone, isolating himself

 2. Have many unusual moments of confusion, disorientation, sadness, anxiety, or
loneliness :

- Overreacting, negative

- Give importance to hygiene and cleanliness of yourself or the surrounding

environment

3. Feeling down, lack of confidence, insecure about dealing with life abroad :

- Sadness, boredom, empty feeling

- Loneliness, homesickness, missed friends and loved ones

4. Unable to engage in conversation with locals :

- Irritability, aversion to the lifestyle culture of the natives

II.5. Cause of cultural shock:

Objective cause:

“The difference” the result of cultural shock seems to be a function of the difference
between themselves and foreign culture in many aspects, such as climate, food,
language, costumes,behavior, other values, and demographic-related differences, such
as age, gender, socio-economic class, education, etc.

1. Language barrier
2. Generation gap
3. Feelings homesickness
4. Dependence on individuals

Firstly , some newcomers can see that foreign foods are weird, and tastes and cooking
methods are different. It is possible that some people cannot eat strange food, or poorly
eatting, affecting both health and spirit. some people.

Secondly, always listening and speaking in foreign languages makes newcomers

stressed. They will miss their mother language. Even when they are very fluent in the
foreign language of their host country, the intonation and the way of speaking of
indigenous people also takes them a quite long time to become familiar.

Moreover, if people are accustomed to hot weather, they may be uncomfortable when
wearing heavy winter clothes, or sometimes, just because they have a different style of
dress from the host country, newcomers may find themselves different and difficult to
adapt. Not everyone hates how foreigners dress, but newcomers themselves are easily
embarrassed when they dress differently.
Subjective causes :

In addition to objective reasons due to differences between cultures that people cannot
influence and change, there are some subjective reasons that newcomers themselves
have not prepared carefully and had the necessary knowledge to adapt to the new
culture.

1. Absorb a lot of information

2. New customs leading to overload
3. Identity crisis
4. Negative thoughts
5. Don’t want to communicate and make friends

Firstly, when newcomers have not learned clearly or investigated the country, people,
culture, and customs of the place they are going to, they will take a long time to adapt to
the new culture and are even more“shocked”.

Secondly, language, skills, and friendliness are necessary for a newcomer when coming
to a new culture. It will be difficult for them when they are not fluent in a common
language or native language because sometimes they cannot express their feelings
properly.

Thirdly, Identity crisis - it occurs when we go outside our home culture into a foreign
culture and alien environment . Identity Crisis is our psychological reaction to a totally
unfamiliar or alien environment .

Sometimes the negative thoughts that “I cannot adapt to this new culture” lead to
cultural shock. For newcomers, active and positive thinking is extremely important
because only if they have positive thoughts, they can get motivation to overcome
cultural barriers.

Finally, another cause of culture shock is that being self-contained does not want to
communicate and make friends. Making friends is extremely important not only in their
country but also in other countries.

II.6 Solutions
● Understand: It is common to experience culture shock when living in a foreign
country. That is why it is useful to understand why you might feel a bit insecure
or anxious. You are faced with a different climate, values, attitudes, lifestyles,
languages, and political and religious beliefs, which can for sure be a little
overwhelming.
● Accept and Adapt: Try to recognize that you are experiencing a culture shock.
Realizing it can help you deal with it better. Culture shock can be overcome
when you accept and adapt to a foreign culture.
● Get acquainted with the social conduct of your new environment:
 Do not assume or interpret behavior from your own cultural perspective or
"filter". Behavior is not talking all about behaviors. For example, Americans
often use the phrase "How are you?" to mean "hello" or "I acknowledge your
presence as I pass you in the hall." A foreigner may wonder why Americans
don't respond in detail to this question about one's well-being.
● Make an effort to learn the local language: This increases your
communication skills and it helps you to integrate with the local community. It
also demonstrates your interest in the new country.
● Be open-minded: Learn as much as possible about your destination. As you
learn and become open-minded it is easier to understand the differences, see
things from a different perspective and thus adapt. Learning some keywords in
the local language helps a lot as well
● Positive Attitude: To get more out of your experience, make sure to focus on all
the positive aspects instead of having a negative mindset. Spend time with
positive-minded people, have fun and feel the good vibes
● Don’t Compare: There is no perfect country. Each country has its pros and
cons, even your home country. You will see differences everywhere but try to
avoid comparing those with your home country. It won’t help you to settle in.
Instead, see the differences as an opportunity to learn about a new culture and
grow as a person
● Make friends and connect with the community: Culture shock has less of an
effect if you are with people around you. This is particularly better if you are
alongside other students also in the same boat, as you can go through the process
together.
Making friends in university or clubs are very important, which play a big part of
your life in other countries. Making friends not only makes it easier to deal with
but also goes a long way in improving your social skills that will benefit your
university experience as a whole.
● Embrace your own culture: When you embrace your heritage you not only
learn to accept your own differences, but also those of others and through this,
there's a heightened sense of all-around acceptance and ability to remain open-
minded to other cultures.

II.7. Map 1:

Adapting to a new environment takes time, and the pace of transition varies from person
to person. The typical pattern of cultural adjustment often consists of distinct phases:
Honeymoon, Crisis, Recovery, and Adjustment. Note that this cycle is repeated upon
re-entry to one's home country or culture of origin.

● Honeymoon: The honeymoon stage occurs during the first week after arrival at
the host country. Individuals are fascinated by the new and different culture.
 The newcomer is elated to be experiencing a new culture. When the
newcomers start to cope with real conditions on daily basis, the second tage
begins
● Culture shock: The stage is characterized by frustration and hostility towards
the host nation and its people. Mental fatigue results from continously straining
to understand the new language and culture. At this point, you may display
"hostility" toward the new culture. There may be anger over minor frustrations,
fear and mistrust of Americans, frequent absenteeism, lack of interest, and lack
of motivation. Many academic problems begin during this stage. The hostility
stage can be a difficult and painful stage. Realizing this can be very beneficial
in moving on to the third stage of cultural adjustment.
● Initial adjustment: The third stage is the adjustment stage in which the
individual gradually adapts to the new norms and values of the host country and
can act more appropriately than they were before. Everyday activities such as
housing and shopping are no longer major problems. The vitors may not yet be
fluent in the spoken language, but they can now express their basic ideas and
feeling
● Mental isolation: Individuals have been away from their family and good
friends for a long time and may feel lonely. May can not express themselves as
well as they could in their native language. Frustration and sometimes a loss of
sèl cònidence result. Some individuals remain at this stage, particularly if they
haven’t been able to find a job
● Acceptance and integration: A routine has been established. The newcomers
have become accustomed to the habits, customs, foods, and characteristics of
the people in the new culture. They feel comfortable with friends, associates
and language in the new country
II.8 Map 2:

Like the “honeymoon” phase, where excitement upon seeing friends and family,
familiar food and favorite hang-outs is the overriding emotion, this period can be
followed by frustration, disorientation and depression, known as “reverse culture
shock.”

Re-entry Adjustment process occurs when returning to their native countries, although
the stages are usually shorter and less intense than those of adjustment to a new culture.
According to Robin Pascoe, author of the book Homeward Bound, writes: "Reverse
culture shock feels like you're wearing contact lenses with the wrong eye”
● Acceptance and integration: A routine has been established in a new culture.
The foreigner has accepted and is comfortable with cultural differences
● Returned anxiety: there maybe confusion and emotional pain about leaving
because friendships will have to be disrupted. Many people realize how much
 they have changes because of their experiences and may be nervous about
going home
● Return honeymoon: Immediately upon arrival in the person’s home country,
there is generally a great deal of excitement. There are parties to welcome back
the visitor and friendships are renewed
● Re-entry shock: family and friends may not understand or appreciate what the
traveler has experienced. The native country or city may have changed in the
eyes of the traveler.
● Reintegration: the former traveler becomes fully involved with friends, family
and activities, and once again feels integrated in the society. At this stage many
people realize the positive and negative aspects of both countries and have a
more balanced perspective about their experiences

II.9. Customs, habits and habits typical of some countries with Viet Nam

Each country will have its own culture. Accompanying it is the customs, different habits
due to many factors: people, weather, traditions, ... Each country has its own festivals in
its own style. A typical example is Tet holiday.

- In Viet Nam: At Tet, the annual Lunar New Year usually lasts about 7 to 8 days
of the end of the old year and the first 7 days of the new year (December 23 to
the end of January 7). All families clean and decorate their house. Buying peach
trees and kumquat trees in the North, or apricot trees in the Central and the South
is considered an indispensable preparation in the days bordering on Tet. Then,
during the New Year, families get together, visit relatives, give good wishes,
celebrate the age and worship ancestors.
- In Russia: The New Year's Eve ceremony takes place on January 1 every year
according to the Roman calendar, held in the Kremlin. On the occasion of the
new year, every house has a big tree, beautifully decorated and beautifully
decorated. This tree is called "Novogodnaya Yolka". The Russians believe that
the more beautiful and eye-catching the tree is, the more joy and luck will come
to them in the new year, the bright star on the top of the tree. From December,
the houses are decorated with fir trees and are kept until January 14 of the
following year.

The New Year Festival is being held from mid-December, the streets are lavishly
decorated with toys, flags, posters, wreaths and lights. In Russia, parents pay
special attention to giving gifts to their children on the occasion of the new year.
Russian children also love to receive gifts from Old Man Tuyet and Snow Queen
during the New Year. One of the traditional Russian customs is to write wishes
on New Year's Eve. The Russians believe that when a wish is written at the
transition time between the old year and the new year, such wishes will be
fulfilled. They waited until 12 o'clock, wrote their wishes on paper and lit them
on candles. The ashes of the paper were then mixed with champagne and the
writer wished to drink.
 - In China: According to the solar calendar, the Chinese Lunar New Year falls on
different dates, usually between January 6 and February 5. Most of them prepare
to decorate their house like stick the god to keep the door or paste couplets, hang
the word Phuc upside down; give lucky money; visit relative; drop flowers.

- In South Africa, New Year's Eve is celebrated as lavishly as in many other

countries. Festivals take place outdoors, have picnic, outdoor parties and
swimming. The beach is always full of people. New Year's Eve in South Africa
falls in the summer, while the countries of the Northern Hemisphere are winter.
In the city of Cape Town, South Africans celebrate the New Year's Day of
Tweede nuwe jaar (the second New Year) on the first and second of January.
This Tet holiday was born from the annual Carnival Coon, organized and
performed by the Capecoons group. These artists paint eyebrows, wear hats and
colorful outfits. The artists lead a fun street procession, dancing and singing
improvised songs while walking.

II.10. Taboos in some countries.

- In Morocco: In some cultures, like Morocco, men are generally expected to

wear long pants even in the heat of summer. While you can get away with
wearing shorts generally, it is considered to be too relaxed when out in public.
- The UK: Discussing your wealth and income is particularly frowned upon in
Britain, but also in many other nations.
- In Arab: Making eye contact in Western cultures is seen as a sign of respect and
honesty. And while this can be true in many Arab cultures as well, excessive eye
contact between men and women is also considered to be flirtatious in some
circumstances.
- In Germany and Singapore: Being punctual to appointments is very important to
several cultures, while somewhat less important to others (such as Mexico). If
you’re late, call ahead to avoid offending your counterparts.

III. Conclusion