Culture Shock in Language Learning 

When I facilitated online group conversation sessions for ESL learners of various levels and ages, culture shock was a common theme, regardless of where learners were located. Some were in Canada adjusting to a new culture, while others were in countries like Brazil or Vietnam, experiencing culture shock through exposure to different customs and social norms. As an ESL teacher working remotely in China, I also experienced culture shock. It affects both learners and educators, and it often unfolds in distinct stages.  

According to Oberg (1960), culture shock has four phases:  

• the honeymoon phase 

• the frustration phase 

• the adjustment phase 

• and the acceptance phase.  

Oberg (1960) suggested that the honeymoon phase consists of excitement and curiosity when learning about a new culture. The frustration phase comes with challenges such as language barriers, miscommunications, and even homesickness. The adjustment phase occurs after the associated challenges, during which the individual learns to develop coping strategies.   This leads to the acceptance phase that leads to increased comfort and engagement with the new culture. 

Language teachers can become familiar with the behaviors that might be associated with culture shock to identify potential challenges and offer adaptable and supportive strategies for learners who might require additional support.  Examples of behaviors linked to culture shock in a language classroom might include: 

• Withdrawal 

• Anxiety 

•  An over-reliance on other peers. 

Implementing classroom strategies to support culture shock could include:  

1. Facilitating incident discussions: These discussions could be in the form of short stories describing a misunderstanding based on cultural norms (Deardorff, 2006).  
2. Normalizing cultural adjustment through reflection activities: These reflection activities would let learners express their cultural experiences through guided journaling or short writing prompts i.e., “describe something confusing about Canadian culture” (Brookfield, 2017).  
3. Culture exchange presentations: Learners can present about a custom, tradition, or holiday from their home country to build confidence while promoting listening and questioning in English (Gay, 2010).  
4. Intercultural group work with guided roles: For this activity, learners from different cultural backgrounds can be paired to complete a task to create structured peer support and build cross-cultural interaction (Bennett, 1993).  
5. Incorporate Canadian life and workplace norms into lessons: To teach language and social norms, authentic materials (such as local news and workplace scenarios) can be integrated into lessons to help learners understand day-to-day expectations (Perry & Hayhoe, 2011).  

Recognizing the impact of culture shock in language learning is essential for creating a supportive and inclusive ESL classroom. By understanding its stages and implementing strategies that foster intercultural awareness, language teachers can better support learners through their adjustment process, whether they are navigating life in a new country or simply encountering new cultural perspectives through language. When both educators and learners approach culture with empathy and openness, the classroom becomes more than a place to learn English, it becomes a space for meaningful connection and personal growth. 

References 

Bennett, M. J. (1993). Basic Concepts of Intercultural Communication: Selected Readings. Intercultural Press. 

Brookfield, S. D. (2017). Becoming a Critically Reflective Teacher (2nd ed.). Jossey-Bass. 

Deardorff, D. K. (2006). Identification and assessment of intercultural competence as a student outcome of internationalization. Journal of Studies in International Education, 10(3), 241–266. 

Gay, G. (2010). Culturally Responsive Teaching: Theory, Research, and Practice (2nd ed.). Teachers College Press. 

Oberg, K. (1960). Culture Shock: Adjustment to New Cultural Environments. Practical Anthropology, 7, 177–182. 

Perry, W. G., & Hayhoe, R. (2011). Canadian Society and Culture: A Primer for Newcomers. Citizenship and Immigration Canada.