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Cultural adaptation

Cultural adaptation

First impressions
The United Kingdom (UK) is a diverse and multi-cultural society, where students of all backgrounds are welcome and their involvement in local communities is valued. Moving to a different culture, however similar to your own and however welcoming, may take a little time to adjust to. Many international students experience a slight culture shock when they move to the UK which is completely normal. It is often the subtle differences which cause the most discomfort; the smell of certain foods, the way people address you in the street, or

physical proximity when you are holding a conversation with an acquaintance or colleague.

Cultural adaptation
In order to help you adapt to living in the UK it is useful to have an understanding of UK culture and your own cultural identity. Today, with many societies having access to the internet and other media, most students, whether UK or international, will be equipped with some cross-cultural knowledge and understanding. It is wise, however, to prepare yourself by considering

Stereotyping
When discussing different cultures it is important to be aware of stereotyping. By a stereotype we mean a generalisation, for example, the assumption that British people are cold, reserved, proud and drink a lot of beer! Stereotypes can be a useful form of short-hand when trying to predict behaviour or adapt to a situation but many people do not conform to their national stereotype.

What does it mean to be British?

Recently there have been many discussions about what it means to be British. We are a very diverse society and this is a complicated but important debate. Nobody is able to provide a clear definition of Britishness! There are numerous articles about this on the BBC website, www.bbc.co.uk

Cultural adaptation

the issue of culture before you get here (and while you have time!), as successful adaptation will be crucial to your success at BU. Please read this section carefully, complete the tasks and check out the web links and other resources provided.

Do not assume too much. Ask questions. Observe. And remember that culture is relative. How extrovert somebody appears to be will depend upon how extrovert you are yourself.

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What are your expectations of British people and British culture?
How easy is it to identify your own culture?

2. How do people from your culture view the role of women in society? Are they considered as equal to men? 3. How do people from your culture consider the concept of age? Is age considered in a positive or negative light? 4. How do people from your culture view authority in the workplace, at home and in society in general? 5. How do people in your culture dress in formal and informal situations? Is dress a symbol of status? 6. How do people from your culture consider personal space? Do you like to be close to people when talking or do you like to keep your distance? 7. How important is time to people from your culture? Is it considered acceptable to arrive late for a meeting? D. Is the way that you perceive your culture similar to the way you think others perceive your culture?

Consider your own cultural identity: A. Think of five adjectives that you think best and least describe your culture, whether this be ethnic/religious group or national identity B. Think of several things that you think your culture may be considered good or bad at C. Identify some common cultural characteristics by asking yourself some of the following questions: 1. How do people from your culture greet each other in formal and informal situations? Do you kiss? Shake hands?

How well do you know yourself?

Without thinking too much, quickly write down answers to the following questions: 1. What is it about the way you were brought up (raised) that has had the most impact on your character and personality? ............................................................................ ............................................................................ ............................................................................ 7. Which aspects of UK culture will you appreciate the most? ............................................................................ ............................................................................ 6. Which aspects of your character will help you the most when you come to the UK? ............................................................................

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2. What characteristic do you most dislike in other people? ............................................................................ ............................................................................

3. What food do you think you will most miss when you come to the UK? ............................................................................ ............................................................................

Go back and check your answers after a few months of living in the UK. Have any of your answers changed?

4. Which aspects of your character will people in the UK be most suspicious of? ............................................................................ ............................................................................

5. Which aspects of your culture do you value the most? ............................................................................ ............................................................................

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Comparing cultures: some theory
Geert Hofstede has done a lot of work researching culture. His insights can help us to be more effective when interacting with people in other countries, whether for study, social or work purposes. The website www.geert-hofstede.com enables you to compare your own culture with UK culture (and others) according to Hofstedes criteria. Read the site and compare cultures! It is an interesting exercise. And if understood and applied properly, the information may help you to reduce any feelings of frustration, anxiety or concern you feel when you first come to the UK.

applicable to you; you may experience things at a different stage, or not at all! 1. Honeymoon stage When you first arrive in a new culture, differences are intriguing and you may feel excited, stimulated and curious. At this stage you are still protected by the close memory of your home culture. 2. Distress stage A little later, differences create an impact and you may feel confused, isolated or inadequate as cultural differences intrude and familiar supports (eg family or friends) are not immediately available. 3. Re-integration stage Next you may reject the differences you encounter. You may feel angry or frustrated, or hostile to the new culture. At this stage you may be conscious mainly of how much you dislike it compared

The W curve
This can be a useful model in understanding some of the stages you may go through when you enter a different culture. Please read the following and look at the diagram opposite. Remember, this may not be

W-curve: stages of adjustment experienced during orientation

Home Country
Pre-departure briefing

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Independence stage Autonomy stage

UK
On-arrival orientation

Honeymoon stage

Independence stage

Preparation for return home

Honeymoon stage

Follow-up orientation

Autonomy stage Reintegration stage

Reintegration stage Disintegration stage

Key
Orientation Programme

Disintegration stage
Adapted from Orientated for Success, edited by M Barker, Australian International Development Assistance Bureau, 1990

Adjustment stage

to home. Dont worry, as this is quite a healthy reaction. You are reconnecting with what you value about yourself and your own culture. 4. Autonomy stage Differences and similarities are accepted. You may feel relaxed, confident, as you become more familiar with situations and feel better able to cope with new situations based on your growing experience. 5. Independence stage Differences and similarities are valued and important. You may feel full of potential and able to trust yourself in all kinds of situations. Most situations become enjoyable and you are able to make choices according to your preferences and values.

may find some people appear cold and distant, or always in a hurry. You may find the relationships between men and women more formal or less formal than you are used to. The relationship you have with your tutors and lecturers might also be different. In the UK we often address our tutors by their given names.

Rules of behaviour

Every culture has unspoken rules about the way people treat each other. For example there may be differences in the way people decide what is important, how tasks are allocated and how time is observed. British people are often very punctual and in business and academic life time-keeping is important. In the UK it is also very important to say please, thank you and sorry often (even if you dont mean it!). For some country facts and hints about culture, please visit: www.peoplegoingglobal.com

Some more insights into UK culture

Clothing
Most people in the UK dress in casual clothes. Despite the cold weather, you might be surprised to see many students walking around in the evening in very light clothing, particularly if they plan to go to a nightclub later.

Social roles

Some peoples behaviour may confuse, surprise or offend you. For example, you

Adapting to British culture at first wasnt an issue, although every day I did wake up and realise this wasnt home! If you make friends with others that have come from abroad you learn to cope with it together because you are all going through the same issues. I started to feel at home a bit after Christmas. Jason Banrey, USA, MA Multi-Media Journalism

Cultural adaptation

Home Country

76 English slang
Cultural adaptation
People will sometimes use informal (colloquial) words or expressions that are unfamiliar to you and that you wont find in a dictionary or textbook. Here are a few examples for you to learn. Slang Ta!/Cheers! Mate Bloke You alright? Quid Ta ra!/See ya! Wicked/Lush Your round Loo Dosh Grub What does it mean? Thank you Friend Man Hi, how are you? (and please note people often do not want to know the answer!) 1 Goodbye Great/Fantastic Your turn to buy the drinks Toilet Money Food

Pubs and drinking culture

You may find that UK students enjoy doing things differently in their free time. Many international students like to cook food together or meet in a caf. The majority of UK students enjoy meeting friends and drinking beer in a pub or bar in the evenings. Sometimes they may play pool, or take part in a pub quiz, often they just meet to drink and chat. There is a very prominent drinking culture among UK students and young people in general. Please note: As a result of peer pressure or new-found freedom in the UK, international students sometimes drink more than they are used to. Not only are the physical effects of being drunk sometimes unpleasant, but being out of control through consuming too much alcohol can also be dangerous. Drinking will impair your judgement and you may end up doing things you regret, or taking risks. Please think before you drink and remember, non-alcoholic drinks are also sold in pubs and bars.

What do you reckon? What do you think?

Food and eating

Some international students complain about food in the UK. Contrary to popular belief, traditional British food is wonderful, but hard to find. To sample proper English food,

For more English slang and idioms visit www.peevish.co.uk/slang

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you need to go to a quality restaurant or stay with a host family. Did you know that the most popular dish in the UK is actually Chicken Tikka Masala (an English version of an Indian dish). Similarly, when people leave the pub on Friday and Saturday nights, many of them go and buy a Turkish doner kebab! The wonderful thing about the UK is because we are a multicultural society, there are so many different varieties of food on offer in supermarkets and restaurants. On the negative side, food can be very expensive and the vegetables that you buy in the shops often have little flavour compared to the produce you might find at home. Also, some of the traditional foods described below can be quite heavy and fatty, therefore bad for your heart and waistline! You have probably heard stories in the press about rising levels of obesity in the UK as a result of unhealthy eating and lack of exercise. Typical foods are the famous English breakfast comprising sausages, bacon, eggs, baked beans, mushrooms and fried bread. Most people in the UK will only eat this kind of breakfast at the weekend as a special treat. More usually we eat toast with butter and jam, or cereal with milk.

Other English specialities are:

Fish and chips the fish is deep fried in batter Roast dinner oven roasted meat (beef, pork, lamb or chicken) with potatoes, vegetables and gravy Sausages and mash usually pork sausages with pured potato and meat gravy Baked beans on toast haricot beans in tomato sauce on buttered, toasted bread Marmite a savoury yeast spread to put on toast and butter the advert says you either love it or hate it and its true (most international students hate it!) Cream tea tea with milk, scones (a type of sweet bread) with jam and thick cream. A lot of international students also mention that they like our sandwiches and our chocolate!

How we eat

We usually eat breakfast at home before we go to work or study, as above. At about 1pm we have a quick sandwich for lunch often on the run or at our desks. Tea and a snack (usually biscuits or fruit) happens mid-afternoon and then between 6pm and 7pm we have the most important meal of the day: dinner.

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We recognise that food is an important part of your settling in experience. You will find most of the foods you wish to cook with in the major supermarkets. However, there are smaller shops that specialise in Middle Eastern, Asian, South East Asian and African-Caribbean ingredients, and Halal and Kosher foodstuffs. If you cant find what you are looking for, ask another student, or ask the International Student Support Team. Please also recognise that if you are eating new foods, particularly in the first few weeks, it may take time for your body to adjust, both to the new flavours, the new smells and to the ingredients. Some students can feel quite ill at first eating wheat and cheese products when they are used to eating rice and vegetables, for example. Also, if you are sharing your kitchen with students of other nationalities and ethnicities, they may be cooking and eating things that seem strange to you, or that taste or smell unpleasant. Be tolerant

with each other; be curious. Invite flatmates to try your cooking and accept if they offer to prepare a dish for you. Sharing food and cooking together should be seen as part of the overall learning experience. Eating in restaurants can be very expensive in the UK. Many places in town do, however, offer special lunch menus for 5 per person (or under). In the evening, a starter and main course in a mid-price restaurant will cost you, on average, 10 to 15. With wine, you can expect to pay 20 per person. You can often find discount vouchers for restaurants online. One such website is www. VoucherCodes.co.uk/Restaurants If you plan to eat in a restaurant for dinner you should normally expect to arrive between 7pm and 9pm. Restaurants often stop serving at 9.30pm. Many restaurants in the centre of Bournemouth and Poole are closed on a Sunday. Now that smoking is banned (forbidden) in pubs, many pubs now serve food (pub grub) throughout

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the day. If you go to a fast food restaurant you can expect to get a meal deal (burger, fries, drink) for approximately 5. Take away meals are very popular, and a lot cheaper. A large kebab (flat bread filled with grilled meat and salad) will cost approximately 5. A large pizza will cost on average 10 and can be shared between two people. Take-away meals can be collected from the restaurant or delivered to your home. Check delivery charges! (The above information is relevant for other special dietary requirements and is not exclusive to Kosher or Halal foods.) You may find the following books interesting for more information about British culture: Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour; Kate Fox (2004). Hodder and Staughton General. The English: A Portrait of a People; Jeremy Paxman (1999). Penguin Books. Notes from a Small Island; Bill Bryson (1996). Black Swan.

Eating on campus

Eating at the University is generally cheaper than in Bournemouth itself. The refectories on both the Talbot and Lansdowne Campuses offer a range of meals and snacks from 2 for a sandwich to 3.50 for a cooked meal. Neither Scolarest (BU caterers) nor the Students Union offer Halal or Kosher meals or snacks. This is due to our policy of non-specific provision. You are very welcome to bring your own foods to eat during the day, or may wish to choose one of the numerous vegetarian options on offer. Our caterers (Chartwells), Chaplaincy and the International Student Support Team are very willing to listen to your requests and suggest places where you can buy specific foodstuffs, or discuss other ways of meeting your requirements.

I always cook with friends. Its like a family gathering. We all contribute to the groceries, some cook and those who cant cook clean the dishes afterwards. Its a fair deal! Plus its great tasting all the different foods your international friends will cook for you! Jason Banrey, USA MA Multi-Media Journalism