Language Point 1
Culture Shock (Title)
culture shock: a term meaning strong feelings of discomfort, fear, or anxiety, which people may have when they enter another culture. Usually when a person moves to live in a foreign country, she/he may experience a period of culture shock until she/he becomes familiar with the new culture.
Language Point 2
... something that sounds very exciting? (Para.1)
Meaning: ... something that, when heard, seems very exciting?
sound: v. When describing your impression or opinion of something you have heard about or read about, you can talk about it in a way that makes it seem to be exciting or boring or whatever.
Please note the use of "sound" as a verb in the following examples though you are familiar with the word as a noun. It is a linking verb, which can be directly followed by an adjective, a noun or a prepositional phrase.
Your plan sounds quite reasonable. 你的的计划听起来很有道理。
How sweet the music sounds! 这音乐听起来多悦耳!
Your idea sounds like a good one. 你的想法听起来很好。
From the way you describe him he sounds a hero. 从你对他的描述来看，他似乎是个英雄。
Language Point 3
... you would have lots of desirable fun? (Para. 1)
lots of: a great quantity, number or amount of. This phrase, like "a lot of", can be followed by either countable or uncountable nouns.
Lots of people came to the party. 许许多多的人来参加聚会。
She has got lots of money. 她有许许多多的钱。
Both "a lot" and "lots" can be used before adjectives to make meanings stronger, with the meaning of "much, a great deal".
This house is a lot better. 这幢房子好得多了。
This book is lots more interesting. 这本书有趣多了。
Language Point 4
… you would have lots of desirable fun? (Para. 1)
Meaning: … you would have lots of fun that is worth having?
desirable: a. worth having, doing or desiring because it is useful, necessary, or popular
It is most desirable that he should attend the convention. 他要是能参加此次会议，是最好不过的了。
For this job it is desirable to know something about medicine. 干这项工作最好懂点医学。
Please notice: in the structure “It is desirable that ...”, the verb in the that-clause is
usually in the subjunctive form or “should” is used before the main verb.
It is desirable that she leave (or: should leave) the company immediately. 明智的做法是她立即离开公司。
The opposite of this word is “undesirable”.
Long delays are undesirable, but sometimes are unavoidable. 长时间耽搁是令人讨厌的, 但有时候无法避免。
Language Point 5
… fascinating things… (Para.1)
Meaning: …things that you find very interesting and attractive, and your thoughts tend to focus on them …
fascinating: a. interesting and able to attract
People find her points quite fascinating. 人们发现她的观点很吸引人。
This is a fascinating old city full of very old buildings. 这是一座有着许多古老建筑物的迷人的古城。
Language Point 6
… a feeling of freedom. (Para.1)
Please note that the word “feeling” is often used in the structure “ feeling(s) of …”.
a feeling of discomfort 不舒服的感觉
a feeling of hunger饥饿感
a feeling of danger 危险感
Language Point 7
In spite of these advantages, however, there are also some challenges you will encounter. (Para.1)
Meaning: Despite these advantages, however, there are also some difficult things you will face.
Language Point 8
In spite of these advantages, …(Para.1)
in spite of: The phrase is used to introduce a fact that makes the rest of the statement you are making seem surprising.
The football match continued in spite of the rain. 尽管天下着雨, 足球比赛还是继续进行。
In spite of great efforts we failed to carry our plans through. 尽管作了巨大努力, 我们还是没能完成计划。
In spite of a slight increase in sales, the company is still heavily in the red at the moment. 公司销售情况虽然稍有改善，但公司目前仍负债累累。
The noun “spite” used as a single word means “desire to hurt or offend another person, ill will”.
I’m sure he wrote that article purely out of (or: from) spite. 我断定他写那篇文章完全是出于泄愤。
Language Point 9
… your views may clash with the different beliefs, norms, values, and traditions that exist in different countries … (Para.1)
Meaning: … your views may be in contrast or opposite to the beliefs, norms, values, and customs that exist in the countries you are going to visit …
Language Point 10
… your views may clash with the different beliefs … (Para.1)
clash (with): vi. disagree seriously, come into argument or non-agreement state
Their interests clashed with ours. 他们的利益与我们的相冲突。
People’s feelings sometimes clash with their judgment. 人们的情感有时与他们的判断不一致。
The word is sometimes used as a noun.
There is a clash of interests in this project. 在这个项目中存在着利益上的冲突。
a boundary clash between two armies 两支军队间的边境冲突
Language Point 11
… and traditions that exist in different countries … (Para.1)
tradition: n. custom or belief that has existed for a long time
It is one of our family traditions for the eldest son to succeed to the family business. 由长子继承家业是我们家的传统之一。
The British are said to enjoy tradition. 据说英国人很看重传统。
follow a tradition 遵从传统
Language Point 12
…you may have difficulty adjusting to a new culture ... (Para. 1)
The phrase “have difficulty” can be followed by the preposition “in”, but very often the preposition is omitted.
His English is very bad and I have great difficulty (in) understanding him. 他的英语很糟糕, 我很难听懂他。
They had no difficulty (in) finding the house where they had been born in their hometown. 他们没费多少劲就在家乡找到了他们出生的那幢房子。
If “have difficulty” is followed directly by a noun phrase, the preposition “with” is used and the preposition can never be omitted in this case.
The child seems to have a lot of difficulty with English grammar. 这孩子好像在英语语法方面有许多困难。
Language Point 13
… those parts of the culture not familiar to you. (Para.1)
familiar to: If sth. is familiar to you, it is well known to you or you often experience/encounter it.
He talked of other cultures as if they were more familiar to him than his own. 他谈论其他文化时仿佛他对其他文化比对自己的文化还要熟悉。
facts that are familiar to every schoolboy每个男学生都熟悉的事实
Compare:
familiar with: If you are familiar with sth., you have a good knowledge of it or you know it in detail.
Are you familiar with the rules of baseball? 你熟悉棒球规则吗?
Larkin not only speaks Chinese well, but also is familiar with early Chinese history. 拉金不但汉语讲得好，他还通晓中国古代史。
Language Point 14
Evidently, at least four essential stages of culture-shock adjustment occur. (Para.1)
evidently: ad. obviously; it is plain that; it is proved by clear signs that
The man wore a bathrobe and had evidently just come from the bathroom. 那人穿了一件浴衣，显然是刚从浴室出来。
The stranger approached the mike, evidently intending to speak. 那个陌生人走近话筒，显然是想发言。
The umbrella in her hand was very wet. Evidently it was still raining. 她手里的伞很湿。显然天还在下雨。
at least:
1) not less than
I’ve known her at least as long as you have. 我和她相识的时间至少与你（和她相识的时间）一样长。
Cut the grass at least once a week in summer. 夏季至少一个星期剪一次草。
2) anyway; at any rate
You might at least answer. 你不管怎样该给个答复。
She’s not coming -- at least that’s what she said. 她不会来啦 —— 反正她是这么说的。
With isolation, you try to avoid the effects of culture shock, or at least that’s what you think.你试图通过独处躲避文化震撼的影响，或者不管怎样，你是这样想的。
Language Point 15
The first stage is called “the honeymoon”. (Para.2)
honeymoon: n. [C] the holiday taken by a man and woman who have just got married; (fig.) a period of good feeling or good relations
The newly-married couple are having their honeymoon in Hawaii. 这对新婚夫妇正在夏威夷度蜜月。
The honeymoon between the new President and the press was soon over. 新总统与新闻界之间短暂的和谐期很快结束了。
Language Point 16
… you feel excitement about living in a different place, … (Para.2)
excitement: n. [U] the state of being excited
As the end of the game grew nearer, the crowd’s excitement increased. 随着比赛临近结束,观众的情绪变得越来越激动。
The old man has a weak heart, and should avoid excitement. 这位老人心脏很衰弱，应避免激动。
Everyone is in a state of great excitement. 大家都正处于极度兴奋状态。
Please notice that this noun can also be countable, when it refers to something that excites or exciting events.
This game has its challenges, excitements and rewards. 这项游戏自有其挑战和让人兴奋之处, 也使人从中获益。
Language Point 17
… and everything seems to be marvelous. (Para.2)
Meaning: … and everything seems to be wonderful.
marvelous: a. wonderful; excellent
He certainly is a marvelous actor. 无疑他是个非常出色的演员。
a marvelous opportunity 绝好的机会
It’s marvelous that we can at last buy our own house. 太好了，我们终于能购买自己的房子了。
Language Point 18
… the amusement of life in a new culture seems as though it will have no ending. (Para.2)
Meaning: … the things in life that make time pass pleasantly in the new culture appear to be endless.
Language Point 19
… the amusement of life …(Para.2)
amusement: n. [C] sth. that makes one’s time pass pleasantly
amusement park 游乐场
Big cities have theatres, films, football matches and many other amusements. 大城市里有戏剧、电影、足球比赛以及许多其他的娱乐活动。
Notice when the noun is used to mean a state of being amused, it is uncountable.
I listened in amusement when he was telling a joke. 我高兴地听他讲笑话。
She could not cover her amusement at his mistake. 对他的错误, 她禁不住觉得好笑。
Language Point 20
… seems as though it will have no ending. (Para.2)
as though: as would be the case if; appearing to be the case that. We may also use “as if” for the same meaning.
The animal was walking as though (as if) it had hurt its leg. 这动物走路的样子好像是伤了腿似的。
She spoke to me as though (as if) she knew me. 她和我说话的神情，好像她认识我似的。
The verb in the “as though” and “as if” clause is very often in the subjunctive mood, though it is by no means always so.
She treats me as if (as though) I were a stranger. 她对我的样子就好像我是个陌生人。
He looks as if he is much better. 他看上去似乎好多了。
ending: n. [C] the end, esp. of a story, film, play or word
Many people like stories with happy endings. 很多人喜欢结局美满的故事。
Language Point 21
This is the “hostility stage”. (Para.3)
Meaning: This is the stage at which you do not like or oppose many things in the new culture.
hostility: n. strong reaction against; unfriendliness
I have no hostility towards anyone. 我对任何人都没有敌意。
There is now open hostility between the two countries. 这两个国家现在表现出公开的敌意。
When the word is used to mean acts of war or fighting, it is used in its plural form.
Their meeting led to an end of the hostilities between the two countries. 他们的会谈促成了双方停火。
Language Point 22
You become tired of many things about the new culture. (Para. 3)
(be) tired of: (be) impatient or have no interest in sb. or sth.
I’m tired of your never-ending complaints. 你不停地抱怨, 我听烦了。
When you are tired of one dress, change to another. 当你一件衣服穿腻了, 可以换另一件。
If you are tired of London, you are tired of life. (英国谚语) 如果你厌倦了伦敦, 也就厌倦了生活。
Language Point 23
Moreover, people don’t treat you like a guest anymore. (Para.3)
Meaning: In addition, people no longer behave towards you as if you were a guest.
moreover: ad. in addition; as well as what has been said
I don’t like skating; moreover, the ice is too thin. 我不喜欢溜冰，再说冰也太薄了。
The price is too high, and, moreover, the house isn’t in a suitable position. 房价太高了, 而且房子的位置也不太理想。
Language Point 24
… and everything makes you feel distressed and tired. (Para.3)
Meaning: … and everything causes great pain to you and makes you lose interest.
distress: vt. (usu. passive) cause great pain or suffering
The couple were distressed to find that their children had not returned. 发现孩子们没有回来，这对夫妻感到很苦恼。
too distressed to speak 悲伤得说不出话来
distress: n.
1) great pain, sadness, suffering
The sick man showed signs of distress. 病人显出很痛苦的样子。
2) suffering caused by lack of money
a company in funding distress 陷入资金短缺状况的公司
3) a state of danger or great difficulty
Send out a distress signal; the ship is sinking. 发求救信号; 船正在下沉。
He expressed concern that the ship might be in distress. 他担心那艘船也许正遭遇困难。
The policeman received a distress call, and saw two youths attacking his colleague. 那警员接到一个求救电话, 发现两个青年正袭击自己的一名同事。
Language Point 25
… you devise some defense mechanisms to help you cope … (Para.4)
Meaning: … you create some methods for protecting yourself from harm and for helping yourself to deal with things around you successfully …
devise: vt. create or invent (a plan, method, etc.) by careful thought
New long-range goals must be devised. 我们必须制定出新的长期目标。
devise a new computer program 编制一套新的计算机程序
mechanism: n. [C] a method for doing sth.
Drug and alcohol are sometimes used as an escape mechanism. 吸毒和酗酒有时被当作逃避（现实）的方法。
cope: vi. (of a person) deal with sth. difficult successfully
The problems were a hard nut, but we managed to cope. 这些问题是很棘手的，但我们设法去加以解决。
The verb “cope” is used with the preposition “with” if it is followed by an object.
She is not a competent driver and can’t cope with driving in heavy traffic. 她不是个称职的司机, 在交通拥挤时就开不好车。
The factory coped very well with the sudden increase in demand. 工厂很好地处理了需求突然增加的问题。
Language Point 26
One type of coping mechanism is called “repression”. (Para.4)
repression: n. [C,U] a psychological term meaning actively preventing an unwelcome thought from conscious awareness （心理学）压抑
The repression of your true feelings is harmful to your health. 压抑你的真实感情有害健康。
Apart from being a psychological term, this word also has a common meaning.
The political repression in this country has led to worldwide protest. 发生在这个国家里的政治镇压已引起世界范围的抗议。
Language Point 27
Another type of defense mechanism is called “regression”. (Para.4)
regression: n. [U] a psychological term meaning a return to an earlier stage of development (心理学) 回归，倒退
Language Point 28
The third kind of defense mechanism is called “isolation”. (Para.4)
isolation: n. [U] keeping oneself alone; separating from others
The writer lived in complete isolation in the country for a year in order to finish his book. 那位作家为了写完他的书，在乡下过了一年完全与世隔绝的生活。
a feeling of total isolation 被完全隔离的感觉
Language Point 29
You would rather be home alone, … (Para.4)
Meaning: You would prefer to be home without anyone else around.
would rather: (used to express a choice ) prefer to
The contracted form “‘d rather” is very common.
Which would you rather do, go to cinema or stay at home? 你是去看电影，还是待在家里？
He would rather lose his job than make false accounts. 他宁愿失去工作, 也不愿做假账。
“How about a drink?” “I’d rather have something to eat.” “喝一杯好吗？” “我宁可吃点东西。”
Please note that “would rather” is used in all persons; “I should rather” is impossible.
Notice that “would rather” can be used with different subjects before and after it, to say that one person would prefer another to do something. In this case, we generally use a past tense with a present or future meaning.
I would rather you stayed with me tomorrow. 我宁愿你明天和我待在一起。
Don’t come tomorrow. I’d rather you came next weekend. 明天别来，你最好下周末来。
My wife would rather we didn’t see each other any more. 我夫人要我们不要再见面了。
“Shall I open a window?” “I’d rather you didn’t.” “我开一扇窗，好吗？” “最好别开。”
Language Point 30
With isolation, you try to avoid the effects of culture shock, … (Para.4)
Meaning: By staying alone, you try to keep yourself away from the effects of culture shock, …
avoid: vt. keep oneself away from; prevent, stop sth. from happening
The student avoided his teacher’s eyes. 那个学生避开了老师的目光。
To avoid traffic tie-up, we took the subway to the railway station. 我们乘坐地铁去火车站以避开交通堵塞。
Please notice that if “avoid” is directly followed by another verb, then the verb should be used in its -ing form.
He tried to avoid answering my questions. 他竭力回避回答我的问题。
Women have to dress simply, to avoid being bothered by the locals. 妇女着装必须庄重一点, 以避免受到当地人的骚扰。
Language Point 31
The last type of defense mechanism is called “rejection”. (Para.4)
rejection: n. [C,U] refusing to accept, consider or use
He keeps applying for jobs, but is given rejections only. 他不断写信求职，但一次次地被回绝。
The publisher’s rejection of his article disappointed him. 出版社将他的文章退了回来，这使他很失望。
Language Point 32
After you deal with your hostile feelings, recognition of the temporary nature of culture shock begins. (Para.6)
Meaning: After you get over your hostile feelings, you begin to realize that culture shock will not last long.
recognition: n. [U] the act of recognizing; realizing
The event has awakened people to recognition of the danger of an over-heated economy. 此次事件使人们认识到了经济过热的危险性。
the recognition that working together must be continued 认识到合作必须继续下去
Language Point 33
Then you come to the third stage called “recovery”. (Para.6)
recovery: n.
1) [U] a return to a normal state
The government’s policies bit by bit led to the country’s economic recovery. 政府的政策逐渐使国家的经济复苏了。
A quick recovery saved the skidding car. 那辆侧滑的车由于迅速恢复平衡才免遭大难。
2) getting back
A significant reward is offered for the recovery of a painting by Picasso. 为追回毕加索的一幅画, 已出了一大笔赏金。
She has a reasonable chance of recovery from the insurance company.她可期望从保险公司得到一份合理的赔偿。
Language Point 34
… you try to develop comprehension of everything you don’t understand. (Para.6)
Meaning: … you try to understand everything that you didn’t understand in the past.
comprehension: n. [U] the act of understanding or ability to understand
How he does it is above (or: beyond) my . 他是怎么做的，我实在不明白。
listening / reading comprehension 听力 / 阅读理解
Language Point 35
The whole situation starts to become more favorable; … (Para.6)
Meaning: Everything around you starts to get better; …
favorable：a.
1) good, pleasing, suitable, helpful
This is a time favorable for a trip. 这是旅行的好时光。
The performance received a favorable review (or: comment). 这一节目受到了好评。
make a favorable impression on somebody 给某人留下好印象
2) giving or showing agreement, expressing significant approval
I have been hearing favorable accounts of your work. 我一直听到赞扬你工作的话。
Language Point 36
… you recover from the symptoms of the first two stages, … (Para.6)
Meaning: … you return to a normal state from the signs of the first two stages that are not desirable, …
symptom: n. [C]
1) a sign of a bad condition or existence
Calls for import control are a symptom of the country’s present economic problem. 要求限制进口表明这个国家目前在经济上出了问题。
The lower production levels are a symptom of dissatisfaction among the workers. 生产水平低下表明了工人们的不满情绪。
2) a change in the body that shows an illness
The symptoms don’t appear until a few days later after you are infected. 症状要在你感染几天以后才出现。
Language Point 37
You begin to see that even though the distinctions of the culture are different from your own, it has elements that you can learn to appreciate. (Para.6)
Meaning: You begin to understand that even though the special qualities of the new culture are different from those of your own culture, it has things that you can learn to enjoy.
distinction: n. [C] a special quality or element
He has the distinction of being regarded as the country’s greatest living writer. 他具有出众的品质，被认为是这个国家在世的最伟大的作家。
Tony has the distinction of being the tallest boy in the class. 托尼是班上个子最高的孩子，这是他的出众之处。
appreciate: vt. understand and enjoy
We all appreciate the holiday after a year of hard work. 经过一年的辛苦工作之后, 我们都十分珍惜这个假期。
My boss does not appreciate my abilities. 我的老板不赏识我的能力。
Language Point 38
… you have reached a point where you actually feel good … (Para.7)
Meaning: … your adjustment to the new culture is so successful that you actually feel comfortable now ...
Language Point 39
This acquisition of understanding alleviates much of the stress. (Para.7)
Meaning: This process of learning to understand helps you a lot to ease your stress.
acquisition: n. [U] The acquisition of a skill or a particular type of knowledge is the process of learning it or developing it.
language acquisition 语言习得
The children progressed quickly in the acquisition of basic skills. 孩子们在掌握基本技能方面进步很快。
Notice that this noun can be countable if it is used to mean something gained.
This sugar factory is one of the recent acquisitions of the company. 这家糖厂是公司最近兼并的厂家之一。
alleviate: vt. ease; make sth. less severe
alleviate pain 减轻疼痛
alleviate the loss of jobs 减缓失业问题
She alleviated the tiring waiting by counting the cars passing on the street. 她用计算街上过往的汽车来消除由于等待带来的烦躁。
We want to help alleviate their lack of food.我们想帮助他们缓解粮食短缺的状况。
Language Point 40
… when you are going through its four stage. (Para.8)
go through: experience
Have you thought about the difficulties your children would go through? 对于你的孩子会受的苦, 你想过吗?
go through a severe test 经受一次严峻的考验
Has the new law gone through all its stages yet? 新的法律是否已通过各阶段的程序?
Tom’s book has already gone through three printings. 汤姆的书已经印刷了三次。
It is impossible to go through life without trust: that is like being put in prison. 没有信任的人生是无法想像的：那无异于被监禁。
Language Point 41
Furthermore, learning about other cultures … (Para.8)
furthermore: ad. (fml.) also; in addition to what has been said; moreover
The house is too small, and, furthermore, it’s too far from the office. 这座房子太小, 而且离办公地点也太远。
Roy wants to leave for home; furthermore, he wants to go right now. 罗伊想动身回家，而且想现在就走。
Furthermore, these child-raising families may raise other people’s children in addition to their own. 此外, 这些有孩子的家庭除抚养自己的孩子外也可以抚养其他人家的孩子。
The dark room had a threatening appearance; furthermore, I knew a family of mice had nested there. 那间黑屋子外观很吓人；而且, 我还知道里面住了一窝老鼠。