1.

Introduction

1.1 Culture
Culture is the belief, value, attitude, adaptation and basic presumption popular among
people in a society. It consists of patterns implicit and explicit of and attitude learned and
spread by symbols, special performance of human groups, including their symbols in
artifacts. Example of cultures at Makkah in term of traditional clothing where women wear
abaya which is a long black cloak that covers the entire body except for their hands and
face while men wear Arabic dress (thobe), headdress (ghutrah) and headgear (agal).
Languages in which they mainly speak are Arabic and speak English as their second
language while the food cultures where pork and alcohol are forbidden.

Furthermore, culture in Australia such as the Australians clothing style where they wear
their cloth openly especially at the beach. Their behaviours are very open-minded in
which men and women communicate with each other freely. Moreover, the culture of
cuisine such as seafood, coffee and alcohol as well as the iconic Australian food such as
Vegemite, the architecture culture such as the Victorian era building, visual art culture such
as Shearing the Rams by Tom Robert. Australian English is the prime language which they
use to communicate daily. In other word, cultures in Beijing such as the martial art culture
like Kung Fu and Tai Chi, the Chinese religion such as Confucianism, Daoism and
Buddhism. Besides that, language where they mainly speak is Chinese language, the
architecture culture such as the Forbidden City and the cuisine such as dim sum, dumplings,
wonton, tea, herbal drinks and soya milk.
1.2 Intercultural
Intercultural refers to the cultural phenomenon, customs and habits that are different or
conflicting with the national culture, and are accepted and adapted on an inclusive basis. For
example as a Mexican, I may complain that theres not enough food, but I love the dancing and
join the group. Thus, intercultural is what happens when the two (or more) culturally-different
groups come together, interact and communicate. Both terms describe important aspects of
study.

People from different cultural groups have a mutual interest to interact with one an other, learn
and grow together, while relationship are shaped and moulded from each others experiences.
The focus is relationship building not individual gian but is learning from one anther; bidirectional.

There are particular barriers to intercultural between people. The barrier going to be discussed is
language differences. Language differences are an obvious barrier to intercultural. If you speak
only English and the people only Japanese, you wont be able to communicate verbally.

Intercultural adaptation as the process through which persons in cross-cultural interactions

change their communicative behavior to facilitate understanding. Put another way, intercultural
adaptation refers to the adjustment of communicative behavior to decrease the probability of
being misunderstanding when speaking with someone from a different culture.
1.3 Culture Shock
Culture shock isn't a clinical term or medical condition. Culture shock is a reaction that
occurs when a person steps out of a familiar culture and begins to make his or her way in
a new culture. It's simply a common way to describe the confusing and nervous feelings a
person may have after leaving a familiar culture to live in a new and different culture. When
you move to a new place, you are bound to face a lot of changes. This is because your
environment is not just the air you breathe and the food you eat, a big part of your
environment is culture. That can be exciting and stimulating, but it can also be
overwhelming. You may feel sad, anxious, frustrated, and want to go home. People react
differently to cultural transitions depending on their background, experiences and
personality. These are the things that influence how they look, act, and communicate.
Because of these differences, the things they talk about, the ways they express themselves,
and the importance of various ideas may be very different from what you are used to.

Most often, we feel culture shock because the new culture has different rules from our own.
For example, we do not know how to act appropriately in our new environment and others
do not act as we expect them. It makes us uncomfortable when expectations are placed
upon us for reasons that were not explained in terms that we could understand. We feel
unhappy and confused those things are not turning out as we had thought. This is culture
shock. The common culture shock problems include information overload, language
barrier, generation gap, technology gap, skill interdependence, formulation dependency,
homesickness infinite regress, boredom and response ability. There is no true way to
entirely prevent culture shock, as individuals in any society are personally affected by
cultural contrasts differently. But the good news is that culture shock is temporary.
 2. Analysis the information gathered from the interview.

2.1 Describe about interviewees

Mr Aliff Haikal, 27, was born at Kuala Kangsar, Perak and originated from Malay family.
He is one of the pharmacists at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh and also staying at
Ipoh town. His mother tongue and frequent speaking languages are obviously Malay
language and indirectly Perak dialect. He could also speak in Arabic, English and Chinese
since we are living in multiracial in Malaysia.

He routinely travels with his family and friends and currently travelled with his wife since
he has been married 7 months ago. He would travels once in 3 years since working as a
pharmacist is very occupied. He has had travelled to 3 countries which were Makkah,
Beijing and the latest was Australia. Makkah which is located at Arabic country was
travelled by him 10 years ago whereas Beijing was 4 years ago. Both of these countries
were travelled by Mr Aliff and his family and friends with Umrah Packages and Group
Packages. Uniquely, he travelled with his wife independently to Australia for honeymoon
for two weeks.

The factors that made him enjoy travelling are family and friends. His wife requested to
have honeymoon to abroad and his friends always share their stories going to foreign
countries. These are one of the purposes for him to have vacation which are to learn
something new and expose to the new cultures. The main purpose for him to travel is to
have a vacation and holiday for releasing his stress and spend time with his lovely family
and friends.
2.2 How interviewees determine culture shock?
The overall purpose of this project was to understanding intercultural communication to
investigate and explore culture shock on the diverse society. I wanted to explore
interviewees about this is how culture shock is described. In the interview, we know that
Mr. Aliff feel in the stage of culture shock in Makkah, Australia and Beijing. In Makkah,
Mr. Aliff feel less culture shock may be Makkah is the Islam country and he feel like back
to motherland. But still has some culture is different from Malaysia, make Mr. Aliff feel in
stage of culture shock. For instance, alcohol is banned, no freedom of religion, women
dont work and no shorts.

When Mr. Aliff travel to Australia, he feel their people, language and communication is
different for Malaysia. Mr. Aliff said that at first time go to the beach, he feel very shock
when saw the Australian clothing style is totally different from Malaysian. Australian are
very proud of what they produce. Theres always that little symbol of a kangaroo when
something is made in Australia.

Between the county Mr. Aliff has travel before, Mr. Aliff said that Beijing is the most
biggest culture shock to he, in terms of communication, food, air pollution, toilets and so
on. The majority of Chinese people do not speak enough English for he to be able to get
his point across, whether it be in a restaurant, at a tourist site or a taxi driver. In Beijing
halal restaurant is different that Malaysia, this also make feel in stage of culture shock. Air
pollution and the smog in Beijing may become the big different from Malaysia. Toilets
may be one of the biggest issues for those traveling, and it very important to prepare and
set aside any expectations you have. According to his toilets in Beijing which are gave him
a big shock.
2.3 Interviewees experiences on culture shock?

The overall purpose of this project was to understanding intercultural communication to

investigate and explore culture shock on the diverse society. I wanted to explore about this
is how a person actually experience it. In doing so, with help from Mr. Aliff, I could
provide a detailed exploration of how he experiencing culture shock.

All travelers will experience some sort of culture shock when arriving in a new country
that is different from their home country in terms of culture, religion and language.
According to the interview, the biggest culture shock Mr. Aliff had experienced is in
Beijing, China. China is a Buddhism country in which the culture is totally different from
Mr. Aliff as he is a Muslim.

Firstly, the culture shock of Chinese food and restaurants norms. When experiencing local
cuisines and restaurants, you may encounter some differences that could be a bit of a culture
shock. Most of the food in China are pork-based which do not meets the prohibition of
pork in Islam religious. Mr. Aliff feel tricky to find halal food in Beijing. Restaurant norms
in China are much different from American and European cultures. Mr. Aliff expect to eat
with a plate with fork and knife in a halal restaurant, but he will have to chopsticks and
spoon instead to eat the meals. Mr. Aliff feel hard to get use chopsticks to grab the food.
The most confusing and shock for Mr. Aliff is the halal restaurant that he go selling and
serve beer and wine to the non-Muslim customers. In terms of food in Makkah, he was
surprised the serve of food in a very large portion.

Second, the language barriers. One of the most frustrating differences between people can
be the differences in language spoken. The language barrier in China is a big challenge for
Mr. Aliff for getting some needs and help from local people. The miscommunication occur
when Mr. Aliff asked where the toilet is and the local worker do not understand what he
want. When two people speak different languages and do not know each other's languages,
they are locked apart from each other, no matter how physically close, and any and all
communication is difficult if not impossible. According to Mr. Aliff, English is the official
language of Australia, but nonetheless, some famed colloquialisms have made their way
into standard speech patterns, and expats will more than likely have to add quite a few
terms to their vocabulary.

Fourth, the social lifestyle of Makkah and Australia. In term of the clothing style, the
Australians clothing style is very open as the people are wearing short pants and skirts.
Mr. Aliff had struggle with the Australian tendency to communicate in a direct and open
manner. In Makkah, he said that the people are hot tempered. When trying to stand ours
opinion with the people, they will argue back.

Lastly, the toilets in Beijing. Mr. Aliff notices the toilets in Beijing become one of the
biggest issues for those traveling like him as he come to Beijing and it very important to
prepare and set aside any expectations you have. In Beijing, many toilets do not have soap,
toilet paper, toilet seat or even running water. According to Mr. Aliff, he expected to have
clean toilets with provided soap and running water because it look nice enough to touch
and diminish the fear of festering bacteria. Mr. Aliff said that when approaching this thing
for the first time can be quite intimidating.

Although the interviewee expressed he had felt trouble at times and experienced forms of
culture shock since arriving in Beijing, he seemed to have settled in well and appeared
happy when talking about his experiences as a traveller.
2.4 How an interviewee adjust and adapt to the new culture?
In the interview, we learnt the way Mr Aliff adapt himself with the culture in Makkah,
Australia and Beijing. First, according to his experiences while travelling to Makkah, in
terms of social communication, he said that the people are hot tempered. When trying to
stand ours opinion with the people, they will argue back. To deal with them, he would
avoid from talking on topic that should not be engaged. The traffic at Makkah is very heavy.
The people also like to horn their car, which create sound pollution. He said that at first it
will be very stressful, but, he could ignore the sound and adapt with the environment
because it was not something rare for him after stay there for a few days. In terms of food,
when he went to the restaurant at first, he was surprised that because people sell the food
in a very large portion. People at Makkah are very in big size, one person can eat a whole
chicken. In order to adapt with this culture, he would order a portion and share with other
people.

Next, according to his experience while travelling to Australia, in terms of the extreme
social life, the Australians clothing style is very open, especially in the beach, which
compare to Malaysia where a few person wearing bikini, while in Australia majority of
people wearing bikini. He felt very shock to see it since it is completely different compare
to Malaysia. In order to adapt with their style, he has had to ignore whatever the Australian
wear and trying his best to avoid looking on them.

Lastly, according to his experience while travelling to Beijing, it was very difficult to get
water. There is no water in the toilet, only toilet seat and no water hose, which gave him a
big shocked. As a result, he has had to bring a water bottle every time he out from the hotel.
Besides that, during his vacation, the level of air pollution in Beijing was very high and
had heavy haze. Every time when he went out, he has had no choice rather than wearing a
mask to prevent any of the diseases. Fortunately after a few days, the environment
condition was better due to the season of winter.
 3. Conclusion

4.1 Synthesize and interpret what you have learned from the interviewees
experiences.

Making a trip to a foreign country is one of the most ideal approaches to venture
outside your set up safe place. In spite of the fact that many people who travel abroad
experience a level of culture shock, it is not something to fear. Truth be told, encountering
culture shock is a good for everybody. There are several reasons culture shock could bring
a positive towards a person.

Firstly, encountering culture shock will shape your identity fundamentally by

showing you to confide in your gut, surviving during times of unfamiliarity and newness,
and build up a thick skin. Individuals encounter immerse self-improvement when they are
confronting weakness. Yes, being in a new environment can be awkward and
uncomfortable. But, being in those minutes shape your identity as a man by helping you to
find out your abilities. Unpleasant circumstances expose character, and usually, help to
assemble it as well.

Secondly, encountering culture shock by coming into contact with another dialect
will drive you to adjust and take in the new dialect rapidly. Learning an optional language
is turning into a need in our interconnected world. Attempting new dialect in a classroom
is totally different as drenching yourself in another culture. Dialect and thought are
associated, so by taking in another dialect, you will pick up a chance to think contrastingly
also.

Consequently after the impacts of culture shock die down and you turn out to be
more agreeable in your new environment, you will have a chance to grow up your friend
network to incorporate individuals from everywhere throughout the world. A best aspect
concerning traveling abroad is meeting new individuals and cultivating fellowships with
others. Meeting individuals who have alternate points of view, backgrounds, lifestyles and
educational can be a quality experiences since it usually could shapes you into a more open-
minded person. Besides that, it likewise opens entryways of chances for you in different
parts of the world that would somehow reach to you.

In addition, encountering culture shock will teach you the significant lesson that
this world is a little place, and that in spite of our differences, we are all indistinguishable
and interconnected. Although varieties in societies, dialects and ethnicities, we as a whole
have quite same goals: to discover love, appreciate what we do, secure our family and
friends and family and acquire a decent living. Travelling abroad really strengthens the
possibility that we as a whole have similar human experiences on this stunning planet.
4.2 Perceive the effective ways to manage the culture shock

Each and every individual is influenced by different symptoms of culture shock. To

overcome this culture shock, there are several techniques to decrease the seriousness and
deal with the symptoms. First and foremost, knowledge-based technique is the most
effective way to manage culture shock. Preparing for problems which are in line with the
term pre-departure preparation is the best way. Continuing to find out about the country
which is through exploration and google search help you to discover what you are getting
into in the country which you would want to visit. Get a few books, watch local movies,
and put some effort to learn the language. It will be hard to learn a new language and you
will feel like a two years old baby chattering incomprehensibly, but you will pick up a great
deal of understanding the culture by learning. Thus, get ready to look foolish and give it a
try. You will be function better when you have more information on the new environment.
As the interviewee express "regardless of the place which you would visit is using English
in communicating, try to learn more the phrases. It will help you to make more friends, feel
more included, and it is just fun!

However, emotion-based technique is also one of the effective ways to manage

culture shock. There is no way around it except by adjust your attitude. Setting learning
objectives for your vacation by taking some time at the beginning of a vacation. The most
obvious goal is learning about your host culture. Do you love food? Make it an objective
to figure out how to cook a local dish. Some several methodologies to reduce the impacts
of culture shocks is break out your comfort zone which is customary range of familiarity,
regardless of the possibility that it is only for a couple of minutes every day to begin. When
things turn out badly and things will usually turn out badly, do not naturally accuse the host
culture. Basically, keeping an open minded by seeing the new culture with a state of mind
of openness and regard will have a far superior result than one who is suspicious. said
Mr Aliff

Moreover, physical technique is also one of the effective ways to manage culture
shock. Attempt to see things through your host culture's eyes .All through each phase of
culture shock, attempt to put your own particular perspective in your pocket and attempt to
comprehend the world the way your host culture does. Perhaps you do not agree with a few
philosophies, and possibly it does not make any sense inside your own social setting, and
it does not need to. "Simply attempt to comprehend what stand point they're maintaining.
Make inquiries, be non-judgmental, be an anthropologist!

Besides that, get included in your neighborhood group. Try to learn as much as
possible about your host nation. Converse with individuals who have been there or even
better are from that point. Become more acquainted with as much as you can about what is
viewed as polite and rude. Making companions with neighborhood is good on many levels.
It is particularly useful if you could discover somebody who willing to act as a cultural
informant. Making connections within the expatriate community is additionally gainful, as
it reduces sentiments of alienation and loneliness. For instance, go to the real celebration
and carefully observing how nearby people act in different circumstances is an effective
technique for learning their behavior (Try not to stress if the reasoning behind them is not
yet certain that will come in time.)
 References
1. 7 TIPS TO TAKE THE SHOCKOUT OF THE CULTURE SHOCK, Retrieved on
22 April 2017 from https://www.communicaid.com/cross-cultural-
training/blog/top- tips-overcoming-culture-shock/

2. The Culture Shock Tool Kit E-Book, Retrieved on 22 April 2017 from
http://www.globalcoachcenter.com/the-culture-shock-e-book

3. Well help you figure it out, Retrieved on 23 April 2017 from

https://www.cmhc.utexas.edu/cultureadjustment.html

4. All about Culture (and Culture Shock), Retrieved on 23 April 2017 from
https://www.hws.edu/academics/global/pdf/culture_shock.pdf

5. Larry A. Samovar, Richard E. Porter, Edwin R. Mcdaniel & Carolyn S. Roy,

2013, Communication between Cultures 8th Edition, Wadsworth, Cengage
Learning.

6. John T. Warren, Deanna L. Fassett, 2015, Communication A Critical, Cultural

Introduction Second Edition, SAGE Publications, Inc United States of
America

7. Culture Shock in Australia

http://www.expatarrivals.com/australia/culture-shock-in-australia
8. Culture Shock, Reviewed by: Richard S. Kingsley, MD, Date reviewed: March
2013
http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/culture-shock.html
9. Deeper Aspects of Chinese Culture, Author: Margaux, on April 11, 2017
http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/article-culture-shock-in-china.htm
10. Oxford Dictionaries
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/intercultural
11. Retrieved on 10 May 2017 from
https://www.tamu.edu/faculty/choudhury/culture.html
Appendix