Kultūrinis šokas – Lietuvos vykdomos politikos padarinys
Culture Shock – a Consequence of Lithuanian Policy

Summary/Abstract: Having restored its independence Lithuania has continuously promoted a policy of integration and been in a transformation processes. Accession to the big families of the European Union and NATO means more than political and economical change. It will add to the encounters with different cultures, traditions, attitudes, values and behaviours. Inevitably misunderstandings will occur, maybe evencultural shocks for Lithuanians changing their place of living in order to work, study or just travel. This article is an introduction to the notion of culture shock. Culture shock is a usual emotional reaction provoked by a situation where one is not able to understand, control or predict other persons’ behaviour. The experience of visiting or living in a new culture may be an unpleasant surprise or a shock, partly because it is unexpected, and partly because may lead to a negative evaluation of one’s own and/or the other culture. The quality and quantity of culture shock is related to the amount of difference between one’s own culture and the other culture – the country one visits or works in. To learn about cross-cultural issues, to familiarise one with cultural differences and how to live and work in with and among them becomes increasingly relevant. The shock effect can be eased by systematic training preparing “culture travellers” to meet with an unfamiliar environment.

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