How Changing Cultures Can Affect Our Personality: A Shift from Extroversion to Introversion

Moving to a new culture can be an exciting and life-changing experience. But along with the excitement, it can also bring a lot of personal change. One exciting aspect of this change is how it can affect someone’s personality, as I learned from a client during an intercultural session. She shared how she noticed a shift in herself after moving to a new culture—from being an outgoing extrovert to feeling more introverted. We spoke about language and how it influences the way we think, how we say things and which things we say, how direct or not direct we become, or how self-aware we are depending on whether we speak the mother or father tongue or if we communicate in the language of the destination culture.

This kind of transformation is not uncommon, and it can happen on different levels: skills, attitude, and personality. Let’s examine how these changes can happen and what they might mean.

 

1. Changes in Skills

When we move to a new culture, the skills we need to communicate and thrive often change. For someone naturally extroverted, communicating with people in a new culture might become more challenging due to language barriers or differences in communication styles. If the way people socialize or express themselves is very different, a person might struggle to use their social skills in the same way they did before. For example, someone good at making friends quickly in their home culture might find connecting with people in a new place harder, especially if small talk or casual conversations aren’t as common.

As a result, they might begin to hold back more in social situations, not because they want to but because they’re unsure of how to act or what’s appropriate. Over time, this can lead to a more introverted way of interacting with others.

 

2. Shifts in Attitude

Attitude plays a significant role in how we adjust to a new environment. When someone moves to a new culture, they might feel out of place or unsure of themselves, especially at the beginning.

Being outspoken or direct in some cultures might be considered rude or too forward. If the culture values modesty or quiet behaviour, an extroverted person might feel uncomfortable expressing themselves in the ways they used to. This can lead to a change in attitude. The person might become more cautious, less eager to share their thoughts openly, and more reflective about how they come across to others. They might also become more observant, taking the time to understand the unspoken rules of the new culture before jumping into conversations or social events.

 

3. Personality Transformation

Personality is more deeply ingrained than skills or attitudes, but our environment can still influence it. For example, an extroverted woman who thrives on social interaction might become more introverted over time if the new culture doesn’t offer the same opportunities for socializing.

Being in a place where she doesn’t feel as confident or comfortable can make her more hesitant to put herself out there. This doesn’t mean she’s no longer an extrovert at heart—it’s more that she’s adapting to her new surroundings more safely or appropriately.

Over time, this shift can start to feel like a real personality change. The person might enjoy more quiet time or discover new hobbies and interests they wouldn’t have explored in their home culture. These changes can be a natural part of adjusting to a new way of life but can also lead to a feeling of “losing” part of one’s old self.

 

4. Cultural Influence on Behavior

It’s important to remember that different cultures have different expectations about behaviour. For example, in some cultures, being outgoing and social is highly valued, while in others, people might value politeness, patience, and listening over being talkative. A person who moves to a culture that prioritizes introversion might naturally adjust to fit in better.

This cultural influence doesn’t mean the person’s original personality is gone—it’s more that they’re adapting to new norms. They may still feel extroverted in familiar settings or with people from their home culture, but they’re learning to behave in ways that help them succeed in their new environment.

 

5. Finding a Balance

The process of adapting to a new culture can lead to personal growth. A person who becomes more introverted in a new culture might discover new strengths, like being a better listener or becoming more empathetic to others. Depending on the situation, they might also become more adaptable, learning to switch between being extroverted or introverted.

Ultimately, changing cultures can lead to a richer and more complex personality. It can help someone develop new skills and attitudes while still holding onto the core of who they are. The key is finding a balance—embracing the changes while staying connected to one’s true self.

 

Conclusion

Moving to a new culture can be a transformative experience. It can impact how we interact with others, how we see ourselves, and even how we express our personality. It might feel strange or uncomfortable for an extrovert to become more introverted, but this change can also bring new opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that personality is flexible and can adapt to new surroundings. While the external expression of one’s personality might shift, the core traits remain. Changing cultures might not change who we are at heart, but it can help us grow in ways we never expected.

What about you? Have you ever experienced a shift in your personality or behaviour when adapting to a new environment, and how did that impact your sense of self?

Barbara Bartczak