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Life
on Saipan:
Expectations of
island life vary with each individual. Islands have all the complexities of
larger countries, only the complexities are compressed into a smaller place.
Those of you hired from off island may experience something called culture
shock. Almost everyone who has ever traveled or relocated to an area
outside their country experiences culture shock to some degree.
Culture shock occurs when
those normal parts of our lives, things we take for granted, are either
altered or not available to us. These may include weather, material objects,
mannerisms, customs, and other symbols we identify with and use to communicate.
Outside our own cultural
environment, it can be a great surprise for us to learn that the symbols and
cues of other people often have different and sometimes opposite meanings to
us, or that those familiar to us do not exist at all. You should be conscious
of gestures that may have different meanings than those you know. For
example, on the islands, crooking your index finger and beckoning someone to
come to you is considered rude. In addition, pointing your finger at someone
when making a point is considered rude. Learning a bit about the
island’s cultural and social etiquette will make your island experience
a more enjoyable one.
Other symptoms of
culture shock include but are not limited to, missing the comforts,
conveniences and little luxuries to which we normally give little or no
thought. For example, a particular television program, a certain brand of
product, going to a college football game, drinking water from the tap,
having endless choices of products to chose from, shopping at malls, the
change in seasons, and close proximity to friends and family.
There are normally four
stages of culture shock. The first stage begins upon arrival and usually
lasts at least a few weeks. We are excited, curious, and interested with all
the new sights, sounds and experiences. Exploring the new surroundings and
looking for an apartment or house to rent keeps us busy and entertained.
The second stage begins
when the real conditions of life in our new environment begins. The newness
wears off and some frustrations may begin to build. This is a critical
stage during which our ultimate success or failure will be determined.
We are no longer newcomers, we have developed our attitudes toward the new
place or country, and what was exciting and interesting upon arrival has now
become routine, with inconveniences becoming more frustrating. As long as you
expect and anticipate this stage, you will move forward and realize that it
will pass, and is a part of getting adjusted to your new environment.
The third stage is the
time when newcomers generally begin to acquire a genuine interest in and
respect for the local people and customs. They learn that their experience on
the island is what they make of it. It has a lot to do with attitude and
flexibility. However, if this does not occur, the newcomer may begin thinking
of packing up and moving home, or, he/she will “stick it out” but
will become a complainer who finds fault with the new environment, the
people, the job, and perhaps even the whole experience.
In the fourth stage, we
have learned to tolerate and appreciate the cultural differences. We learn to
live comfortably with what we have and can thoroughly enjoy participating in
the culture of our hosts by trying and enjoying new foods; attending local fiestas,
cultural and social events; taking an interest in local history, handicrafts,
language and customs; and joining in activities. In essence, when we have
progressed to the fourth stage of culture shock, we no longer have culture
shock. We have completed an adjustment and adaptation to another culture.
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