Psychologists tell us that there are four basic stages that human beings pass through when they enter and live in a new culture. This process, which helps us to deal with culture shock, is the way our brain and our personality react to the strange new things when we move from one culture to another.

Culture begins with the” honeymoon stage. ”This is the period of time when we first arrive in which everything about the new culture is strange and exciting. We may be suffering from”jet lag(时差)”but are thrilled to be in the new environment, seeing new sights, hearing new sounds and language, eating new kings of food. This stage can last for quite a long time because we feel we are involved in some kind of great adventure.

Unfortunately, the second stage can be more difficult. After we have settled down into our new life, we can become very tired and begin to miss our homeland and our family, friends, pets. All the little problems in life seem to be much bigger and more disturbing when your face them in a foreign culture. This period of cultural adjustment(调整) can be very difficult and lead to the new arrival rejecting or pulling away from the new culture.

The third stage is called the “adjustment stage”. This is when you begin to realize that things are not so bad in the host culture. Your sense of humor usually becomes stronger and you realize that you are becoming stronger by learning to take care of yourself in the new place .Things are still difficult ,but are now a survivor.

The fourth stage can be called ”at ease at last”. Now you feel quite comfortable in your new surroundings. You can cope with most problems that occur .You may still have problems with the language, but you know you are strong enough to deal with them.

There is a fifth stage of culture shock which many people don’t know about. This is called ”reverse(反转)” culture shock. Surprisingly, this occurs when you go back to your native culture and find that you have changed and that things have changed while you have been away. Now you feel a little uncomfortable back home. Life is a struggle.

【小题1】When does culture shock happen?

A．when you reach your teens, culture shock happens.

B．When you move to a big city, culture shock happens.

C．When you meet foreign people for the first time, culture shock happens.

D．When you go to live in a foreign culture, culture shock happens.

【小题2】How do you feel during the first stage of culture shock?

A．Bored

B．Satisfied

C．Excited

D．Disappointed

【小题3】How could the third stage be described?

A．Adjustment

B．Joy

C．Energy

D．Anger

【小题4】What may still be a problem during the fourth stage?

A．Friends

B．Language

C．Food

D．Transportation

【小题5】Which stage are you in when life is still tough but you are positive to live?

A．The first stage.	B．The second stage
C．The third stage.	D．The fourth stage.

【小题6】Why might reverse culture shock be a problem?

A．It hardly ever happens.	B．It is extremely stressful.
C．Most people do not expect it.	D．It only happens to young people.