Over a decade ago as a new missionary on the field I had little idea of what culture shock or culture conflict really meant. I thought it was probably something others experience but not me. “Things might be a little different here,” I thought, “but what’s the big deal?”
Looking back I realize now that it is a big deal. The gap between cultures and world-views can produce some pretty nasty side effects. Assumed motivations, unsaid expectations, misunderstood actions, they are rocks beneath a calm surface that can shipwreck your ministry and damage your soul.
Before I start let me be clear about we’re talking about. I use two terms to describe the problems often created by the differences between cultures: culture shock and culture conflict.
Culture shock
This is the negative side effect that the missionary feels as a result of the differences in culture. It may appear as frustration, depression, loneliness, guilt, tiredness, disgust with host culture, or even infatuation with host culture. Culture shock may not be sudden, it may be quiet and it may not always be noticed by others. Culture shock may occur early on but most likely will occur some months in. Culture shock isn’t always recognized at first.
Culture conflict
This is the negative side effects in the missionaries relationships with people from the host culture. It may appear as disagreements, misunderstandings, different approaches to ministry, unsaid expectations, disappointment with people, and other social problems.
12 truths to navigate cultural differences
Let’s get started and look at a few truths that I have learned along the way and that might help you find your way through the realities of a new culture.
Truth #1
The most difficult thing is to clearly see your own culture
We’re all pretty blind to our own culture until another culture comes along and gives us something to contrast our home culture with. While you might be blind to your own culture those from another culture aren’t. They will quickly notice strange things you do and say.
A good example of this is how we often don’t notice some of the defects in our own home. Maybe you have a room that needs some paint on it, maybe you have some trim that you never got around to putting up after a remodel, maybe you have a door or two that don’t quite close properly. If you don’t take care of those things right away you’ll soon hardly notice them at all. You may even live for years with an unfinished remodel because you have grown used to it.
However, if you invite a guest over who has never been in your house before, those little defects will stand out like a sore thumb.
The same is true for culture, what you may not even give a conscious thought to will be so obvious and strange to others that they can’t help but notice!
Truth #2
Being aware of other cultures is an important first step
Because we are often so blind to our own culture many people don’t even realize that they live within a unique context with unique habits, traditions, and ways of thinking. It’s important that you become aware of other cultures. Learning to take notice of them will help you realize that you live in a world with many cultures and your own culture is just one small part of this world.
Being aware of other cultures also helps you become more aware of your own culture. As you see differences in those cultures you can then look at your own culture with a new perspective.
Truth #3
Admitting that my culture isn’t necessarily the best culture is the next step
One question I often receive as a missionary is “Isn’t it better in America?” That’s an uncomfortable question to answer. To be honest, I love my home country and I love many aspects of its culture, but I can’t really say it’s “better” after all the USA has its own set of sins and problems.
Cultural humility is vital for missionaries. Without it you’re bound to preach the gospel of your culture instead of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Your home culture is probably more comfortable to you, more understandable and likely more preferable. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s better than other cultures.
Like all aspects of humanity, culture is also affected by the fall in Genesis 3. That means that every culture has good and evil aspects in it. Learn to look at different cultures not as better and worse but as having different problems than your home culture. Learn to admit that your home culture has problems too.
Truth #4
Understand that there are two reactions to a new culture
People react differently to new cultures so this one depends on your specific personality. In general there are two reactions.
- Reaction #1 | Everything is terrible and confusing
When we fail to understand why things are done the way they are done and why people do or don’t do what we expect of them it tends to leave us frustrated. This feeling of frustration, anger, or even depression can occur early on but it is different with everyone. The important thing to remember is that this is simply a reaction to things that we don’t yet understand.
Unfortunately for some this period never passes. They end up feeling bitter or depressed and will probably not stay long on the mission field. However, the good news it that this can pass with time if you are willing to lay down your cultural presuppositions and preferences and give yourself enough time to build personal relationships and learn your host culture on a deeper level.
- Reaction #2 | Everything is amazing and interesting
Sometimes this is called the “honeymoon” period. It usually occurs shortly after arrival or even before your arrival in your host culture. In this phase the missionary views their host culture as far better than their home culture. Sometimes they can begin to despise some aspects of their home culture or try to hide the fact that they are from another culture. Some missionaries may begin to exhibit more patriotism towards their host culture than for their home culture. In some instances the host culture becomes an idol for the missionary.
While it may seem like reaction #2 is better than reaction #1 in reality they are both problematic because neither reaction sees the host culture for what it truly is. In order to avoid dumping your home culture for your host culture its important to realize that every culture has it’s set of problems.
Truth #5
Over time you will begin to see that there are some good things and some bad things in your host culture.
If you live in your host culture long enough you will eventually come to see that this culture has some good things to offer as well as some bad things. After a year or two most missionaries will begin to adopt a few of the things they see in their new culture for themselves. Also they will begin to see a little deeper into the culture and recognize that some of the things that they may have initially thought were good or interesting are anything but that.
In order to have a balanced outlook on culture it’s important for you to be daily and deeply grounded in the Word of God. It is the truth of God’s Word that ultimately illuminates all cultures including our own. With out the light of God’s Word it is impossible to clearly see which aspects of culture may line up with Biblical truth and which aspects need to be changed.
Truth #6
Everything is more difficult in an unfamiliar culture
Be aware that even things that you might think are simple will be more difficult in a new culture.
- There is more stress
- More conflict with family members and coworkers
- Possible depression
- It’s more difficult to make decisions
- Governmental papers work seems impossible
- Going somewhere is complicated
- You tire out quicker
- You may be more susceptible to temptations
Truth #7
Don’t rush to judge people and their actions in a new culture
It’s easy to hurriedly judge people’s motivations but this is especially dangerous in a new culture. Give yourself time, give others more grace and you may find that things are a little different than you first judged them to be.
Truth #8
Ask questions and listen to the response
Listening is one of the greatest tools for learning culture. Learn to listen more than you talk, and try to understand what they value, how they spend their time, how they express love, who do they respect, who is their authority, what kind of goals do they have, and what their history is.
Truth #9
Love them sincerely and unselfishly realizing that they may reject you
You’re going to make lots of mistakes, you’re going to look stupid, you’re going to do things that disrespect people, and you’re going to sound like a kindergartener when you try to explain yourself. Learn to love people, sincerely and unselfishly, learn to desire the best for them in Christ. In doing this you will have a much better chance people forgiving your mistakes. However, you must also realize that even when we try our best to love others there’s always a chance that they could reject us. Make sure your are finding your confidence and security in Christ and not in the response of those to whom you are ministering.
Truth #10
Be a student
Be observant, watch carefully, listen, read, and learn. This is how you will come to know your new culture.
Truth #11
Discuss your experience with other missionaries
If at all possible discuss your new experiences with those who have already been there for some time. They can usually encourage you and give you helpful insights.
Truth #12
Understand that verbal agreement doesn’t always mean what you think
Finally, realize that not all cultures express their agreement or their disapproval the same. Just because someone said, “yes” doesn’t mean they agree with you or even understand you. On the other hand just because some is standoffish doesn’t mean that their not listening or that they’re not in agreement with you.
Have you lived in a foreign culture? What tips could you offer to help someone navigate a new culture?
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