Top 10: What is the biggest culture shock moment you’ve experienced?
- Students write in to discuss the customs and festivals around the world that have surprised them
- This week’s question: What childhood film or show has been ruined for you?
It’s fun to learn about the similarities and differences between cultures around the world. Photo: ShutterstockThis week’s question: What childhood film or show has been ruined for you?
To take part, drop us a line via this form or email us at [email protected] by 11.59pm on August 30. Tell us your name, age and school.
Here are the traditions that have surprised our readers ...
Hylia Chan, 10, St Paul’s Co-educational College Primary School: I discovered that in Canada, drivers can make a right turn even if the traffic light is red. They just have to come to a stop and check if there are pedestrians crossing the road or cars coming close. In Hong Kong, cars always have to stop if the traffic light is red, even if the road is empty, so I was gobsmacked when my dad explained why the cars in Canada were ignoring the traffic lights!
Emily Lee Cheuk-ying, 15, Carmel Secondary School: When I was travelling in Japan a few years ago, I was astounded when a station attendant handed me a train delay certificate. Japan’s trains are known for their remarkable punctuality, but I did not expect an official lateness slip issued because of a five-minute delay. In Hong Kong, it’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed, but in Japan, the punctuality of the metro is a matter of great concern. Thus, staff apologise repeatedly for a tiny delay and corrective measures are taken seriously. This practice is the epitome of the Japanese people’s strict compliance with collective rules and avoidance of uncertainty.
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Adrienne Fung, 17, Milton Academy (US): My biggest culture shock moment wasn’t really a “shock” but more of a gradual realisation. After going to school in the United States, I got used to seeing racial and ethnic diversity around me. When I returned to Hong Kong after more than a year, I had almost forgotten what it was like to be part of the majority. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t at least a little comforting to be back, but my time in America has opened my eyes to just how incredibly varied the world is – not only in appearance but in thought as well.
Fion Chow Wing-lam, 15, STFA Leung Kau Kui College: For the Naki Sumo Crying Baby Festival in Japan, sumo wrestlers hold babies and try to make them cry by bouncing them around, making loud noises or even donning scary masks. This traditional festival aims to keep the babies in good health. I was shocked and intrigued by how novel this is. In contrast, Hong Kong parents celebrate their babies on their 100th day of life.
Chloe Huang, 19, Roedean School (UK): While in England, I could not get used to calling my friends’ parents by their first names. One time, I addressed someone’s father as “uncle”, which he thought was a bit odd, but now, I am unofficially his niece.
Yang Chun-yat, 16, TWGHs Lui Yun Choy Memorial College: The biggest culture shock moment I’ve had is the difference in language in Taiwan. Some Taiwanese people often put an “eh” at the end of a sentence. Last week, I travelled to Yilan in northeastern Taiwan to see dolphins and whales. The ship captain added an “eh” after every sentence. It was interesting to hear a middle-aged man saying such a cute word.
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Ng Hiu-nam, 16, Victoria Shanghai Academy: When ordering food in the UK, it is not socially acceptable to speak loudly to call a waiter over. This practice is frowned upon. Once, I said “excuse me” over a counter to order and was greeted with a very dirty look. Only later did I find out that this is not the norm.
Hilary Yiu Yi-kwan, 13, Tak Nga Secondary School: At the mall in Indonesia, the washrooms have shower heads for people to clean themselves after using the toilet. But this is different from Hong Kong, where most people use tissue paper to wipe after going to the toilet.
Rhea Saxena, 16, King George V School: When I visited India in April, I realised the country had undergone remarkable development. A cab driver told us about how the leader is making the country more efficient and sustainable.
Jasmine Chau Tsz-ching, 13, Stewards Pooi Kei College: When I went to the US for an exchange programme, I lived with an American family. On the first day, I asked, “Excuse me. Shall I put my shoes outside?” They were astounded and told me: “You do not need to take off your shoes even in your bedroom, but you can put them on the shoe rack if you want.” I was very shocked. How come they wear shoes in a house? But I still wore them inside the house because we should respect other cultures.