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Conversation / LET'S TALK
Lesson 08
Adjusting to Life in a New Culture
Advanced
Exercise 1
Expressions
Direction: Listen and repeat after your tutor
Culture shock
/ˈkʌl.tʃər ʃɒk/
Meaning:
The feeling of confusion or discomfort when entering a new cultural environment.
- Many expatriates experience culture shock when they move to a new country.
Homesickness
/ˈhəʊmˌsɪk.nəs/
Meaning:
A strong longing for one’s home, family, or familiar surroundings.
- She felt intense homesickness during her first month abroad.
Cultural norms
/ˈkʌl.tʃər.əl nɔːmz/
Meaning:
The shared expectations and rules guiding behavior in a culture.
- Understanding cultural norms helps avoid misunderstandings.
Open-minded
/ˌəʊ.pənˈmaɪn.dɪd/
Meaning:
Willing to consider new ideas and different cultures or lifestyles.
- Being open-minded helps you adapt more easily when living abroad.
Exercise 2
Mini Debate
❝Is it more important to preserve your own culture when living abroad or to fully adapt to the new culture?❞
Exercise 3
Article
Direction: Now, we're going to listen to a short audio titled ... Listen carefuly.
Adjusting to Life in a New Culture
1. What is culture shock?
a) Feeling bored in a new country
b) Feeling confused or uncomfortable in a different culture
c) Speaking the wrong language
d) Being rejected by locals
2. What helps people adjust to a new culture?
a) Staying only with people from their own country
b) Refusing to try new things
c) Making friends, learning the language, and being open-minded
d) Avoiding local customs
3. What is the article’s message about living abroad?
a) You must completely forget your own culture
b) Balancing both cultures can help you grow and adapt
c) It’s better to return home quickly
d) You should copy everything local people do
Exercise 4
Let's Talk
Answer using the words and expressions you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
1. Have you ever experienced culture shock? What was the most surprising thing?
2. What do you miss the most when you’re away from your home country?
3. Do you think it’s easy or hard to make friends in a different culture? Why?
4. What cultural habits did you have to adjust when living or traveling abroad?
5. How do cultural differences affect communication or relationships?
6. What strategies can help someone feel more comfortable in a new country?
7. Is it better to live in an international community or integrate with locals?
8. How does learning the local language help with cultural adjustment?
9. Can culture shock ever be a good thing? Why or why not?
10. What’s one thing you’ve learned from another culture that you now use in your daily life?
11. Have you ever helped someone adjust to your culture? What did you do?
12. In your opinion, what are the most “open-minded” cultures, and why?
