Confessions of "Culture Shock" by a British Sri Lankan
Having spent the last 13 years in the UK, fighting with the culture curve, fighting thorough the instincts of being a Sri Lankan, I was finally able to somewhat master the art of being a Brit (arguably)!
As soon as I became a permanent resident of the UK, my partner and I decided to repatriate to Sri Lanka. So here begins the journey of repatriation. As exciting as it may sound it’s proving to be more challenging than I initially thought. I could argue that it’s more difficult adjusting to being in Sri Lanka again than it was adjusting to the UK.
Here are the top 4 challenges I’m facing...
1. Social Pressures
Sri Lanka is a closely knit culture. More collectivist traits than the UK where individuals can be more direct and avoid social pressures. For example, In the UK you can say no to a social event just because you don’t feel like it. You won’t hurt feelings. In Sri Lanka its more complicated than that. You can’t say no to your aunt’s dinner because you are on a diet. Your diet comes second to the reputation of your mother!
2. The pace of work/ perception of time
In the UK you stick to deadlines and time is not as flexible as it is in Sri Lanka where 4pm is really 5pm. This affects my scheduling, preparation and getting tasks done. I must adjust not to get frustrated and let things flow as they do here and adjust to the slow pace of work. Afterall that’s why we moved here, for a peace of mind and body.
3. High context conversations
I’m used to being quite direct. I’m comfortable with saying ‘No’, I’m comfortable with arguing my point. However, the Sri Lankan communication style has a little more context than that in UK. I can’t say no to things I don’t like just like that. I need to give context and excuses. Conversations that should last 5 minutes lasts hours just to get to the point. I wish I could be direct without hurting feelings!
4. Cultural looseness vs tightness
This is something I’ve benefited form, yet I know I’m not far away from being in the wrong end of it. The rules are bent depending on the person they are being imposed on. If you have a bit of status and well connected the rules don’t affect you the same. This is great until you encounter someone better connected and have more social status than you.
So, there... some points you should consider if you are moving or conducting business in Sri Lanka. Still the best place to live in the world!
(About writer - Diluk Rathnayake is a career academic in UK. And currently he acts as the Director of BURC Lanka. Contact info@burclanka.com)
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