Shock Attack!!

So, what do you do when culture shock attacks?   It's simple... just breathe..

I've come to learn quickly that learning a language doesn't come over night, though I knew that logically, I didn't want to accept it as an answer.  Learning a Slavic language especially takes:

• patience (something I lack generally)
• dedication (check!)
• passion (check!)
• practice (working on that)

and...

• a good source of knowledge i.e. course, book, personal teacher, or preferably all of the aforementioned!

 I'll have to say, I generally go to Rosetta Stone when wanting to learn a language. But in the case of Serbian, Rosetta Stone was not an option.  However, the Teach Yourself system is working out well.  So, as a suggestion to anyone wanting to learn Serbian, check it out!  And find yourself a native to talk to. This will help immensely.

Another thing to remember when it comes to the oh so wonderful anxiety of culture shock, besides breathing, is thinking.  I'm serious about this.. try to think logically about whatever the issue might be.  If you're having a hard time handling the way people interact or don't interact, then sit back and think.  Why does it bother or make you uncomfortable? (Or whatever the situation might be..) Try to figure out the real reason the culture shock is setting in and then find a solution to the real problem at hand.

When I started realizing I was honestly having difficulties, I sat back... after remembering to breathe nice and deep... and got to root of my inner evil. I concluded that most of my personal issues with "culture shock" was rooted in my lack of language. I was getting frustrated because I could not communicate. I could not cut up and laugh with my friends here in Beograd because they would chat in Serbian at times around me. It's easier for them I understand that.  I would get a bit bent out of shape with interactions between people, not because of the physical interaction, but because I would let my mind wander off and think what it wanted to because I didn't know the language to know what was being said between the people.  I hate not being able to talk to my boyfriend's mom, as she understands English but cannot speak it.  But knowing this small fact - lack of language is my inner evil - I've been able to tame the anxiety and I now know how to fix the issue.  So I've put myself a bit more into learning Serbian a little bit harder than I intended to at first. I don't mind though. I enjoy it. I like seeing my own progress when I can pick up bits and pieces of conversation or understand what's being said in newspapers. 

So, the key to surviving culture shock is breathing and figuring out what it is that has you in "shock" but that isn't the only beneficial tidbit.  Being open-minded, accepting, and understanding of the differences will help greatly.  And NEVER NEVER NEVER be afraid to ask questions.. like me. ;) You'll get over it eventually though.. I am for the most part...

But it's 1am here.. so it's bed time for me! Лаку ноћ!