When people come to another country they feel neglected because of lots of things, as, for example, different expectations between their own and the host culture, feeling ashamed of their background, different customs, feeling rejected by the host community, etc. Nevertheless, a lot of young people still dream about going to live/study or work abroad. What is then the most constructive way for them to feel at home in a foreign country? Do you think that it is important to retain the best of their traditions? Is it possible to assimilate into these new surroundings without losing one's cultural identity?
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In 1620 the pilgrims arrived in America in a search for a freedom. And now, 400 years ago, people are also searching for freedom and a better life.
The problem stated in this topic is really urgent in the modern globalized world as I think. The borders are opened and people can choose any destination they want in order to find better life, better job (or just any, since they have no job in their country ), better and more safe place to live for them and their children. And they use this opportunity: people from a so-called “third world” flee to the Western countries. It can seem that a problem is solved, that everybody is happy, but it only seems so. When leaving their own country people usually can’t leave and don’t want to leave their lifestyle there. But you have to leave it there, from where you came. Otherwise, why do you leave your contry? Most people think, that changing their place of living they don’t change their life (in a common sense), but change only their job. That’s why we have so many examples of immigrant communities all over the Western world. You take Mexicans in the USA or Turkish people in Germany, they live in closed communities, barely speak the language of their new country and they even don’t try to assimilate into their new country and the new society they live in.
What should a person do, when he decides to leave his country for a new one? First of all, he should think it over and get ready to the new conditions he will have to live in. I mean he should read some books about the new country and its people and their features. Second, a person should learn the basis of the language of the country he is willing to settle in, since one will never assimilate in a new country without knowing its language. A profound knowledge is not obligatory needed, since when a person finds himself in a new language space he learns the new language way more easy (unless he lives in a closed community of fellow countrymen). Third, when a person comes to a new country he should never live in a closed community of his compatriots. He should make all his best in order to communicate only with native people of this country. And fourth, a person should do everything the way the natives do. Some things which were common in his country may be insulting in the new country, and he will have to forget them while he is among the representatives of the other culture. It doesn’t mean a person should forget his own culture (he can still profess his religion, observe his traditions), it only means that he should also assimilate the culture of his new place of living, or otherwise-what’s the sense of coming to a new country?
Don`t think that it`s exactly what U want 2 hear but... just my opinion... don`t judge strictly...
Well, what way is the best 2 feel yourself well abroad, in a foreign culture? Firstly, we should clarify, what do we mean saying “fell good” or “feel bad”. If we talk about health – not 2 sick. :) But if we talk about mood… Well, if we talk `bout mood the simplest thing 2 feel ok, is 2 `ve some part of what U `ve left, of what U miss very much. It`ll inspire U. In other words, U should `ve some part of your culture that will remind U your culture. But u should do this only if you really need this. Otherwise it will always show U that U R in the other culture where U can not survive without smth. native 2 U.
But 4 me, according 2 my experience I can say that I didn`t need that when I entered a new culture. Also I can`t say that I felt well when I “appeared” in other culture. But I knew that nothing will raise my mood until I, myself, will realize that nothing unusual `ve occurred & it`s just the other chance 2 show yourself.
Why do people leave their home? There are different reasons. And their way of life depends on these reasons. If you are going to leave your home and go to other place, you should be prepared. In my opinion you should know a language of that country, their laws, something about their culture, about people. As I have already said – reasons are very important too. Maybe you are going to live there, because you want to get a good job or something else, that’s why you should be well prepared. Also a very important thing is time – if you are going there for a long time, you will assimilate, and it’s a usual thing. You will take something from their culture, way of life. If you have friends or relatives there – it would be better for you, because they will help you. You won’t be alone. But if you are alone – well, it’s not a big problem, but your life will be harder there. In my opinion – you should try to save your culture, language, making friends with people from your country, I mean finding fellow-countrymen. People, with whom you come from the same parts. (I mean country). And I know a good example of such way of live. During Chechen war, lot’s of people emigrated to the Western Europe. It was very hard to leave your motherland, native land. But they united there; they made friends with each other. They created their own community. That’s why they saved their culture. Life in emigration became better for them. Of course they took a lot from European culture, and as a result – they mixed two cultures. But of course they kept their culture as a main. And that had many advantages; they came for a common benefit. But you shouldn’t forget about different rules. You are not at home, and you should behave like natives, you can’t do what you want, control yourself.
That is why I think that it is possible to assimilate into new surroundings without losing one's cultural identity.
What is the most constructive way to feel at home in a foreign country? Is it possible to assimilate into these new surroundings without losing one's cultural identity?
I believe there is no universal way for everyone but in general outline it is important to understand that foreign country for you is the motherland for other people for its citizens. In terms of this fact, it is necessary to avoid that conditions, which are, could be a big problem for you as an effect. Saying in one word the best way to feel at home in a foreign country is to create this home around oneself which is expect to be built on politeness friendship and again politeness.
The second problem isn’t a problem at all… almost… the only one thing you need for assimilation is time may be years or days it depends… but what about losing one’s cultural identity? Well there is one big grate enormous mistake that some of us trying to do with closed eyes… it is to forget everything that you have before: every tradition, any sign of patriotism, every name… for better life. Is this ‘better ‘ life possible after some kind of treachery? And what this person should do if this ‘better ‘ life is not such better and may be even worse than the previous one? In that case this person is marginal without home, name friends, and any values. So to prevent such difficulties it is important to save your own cultural principles with politeness to other culture.
Why do a lot of people leave their country? There are different explanations and reasons.
Some of them think that abroad they will be able to make a better career, the other seek new life and etc. But nevertheless each of the immigrants faces difficulties in assimilating into another culture .It is a complex process in which an immigrant fully integrates themselves into a new country. I think it doesn’t necessary mean that people who live in another country have to reject their own culture.
But what should a person do to integrate into a new society? In my opinion, first of all he should prepare himself morally, as he should realize that it will be a difficult and tiresome process. Second, he should try to know as more as possible about the country, its culture, its people, what they believe, why they do things in a certain way, what they value, how they interact with each other and with outsiders. Learning about a new culture requires a person to study its norms, language, organizing principles, and customs. It is difficult to live in a new culture unless he understands how it works. This takes time. Third, a person should learn the specific skills required to survive in that new cultural environment. The tools he has used in his old world may not work in the new culture. And at last, he should communicate with the natives to see what they all about.
So, of course, assimilation is the question of paramount importance. Well, people leave their homes and go to … somewhere. For example, you go to China. Just simply you need to know the language. Certainly, English is widely-spread and generally used … But there are about two billion Chinese in this country and God willing that if only some tens millions of them could speak English. Newcomer can’t cooperate, work, speak, and even understand them or something else if they don’t know Chinese culture in whole. Differences are performed in variety spheres. The political regime, mentality of people, view of the life, dissimilar confessions are absolutely unlike to any others. Therefore you have to assimilate (and know certain philosophy) if you want to live fully in definite society which is new for you. On the other side of the coin, it doesn’t mean that you will become the real Chinese. And undoubtedly we should save our own culture (for instance, as they do in America), surely within reason. It is unacceptable to impose your traditions, beliefs, culture in tote. Finally I can say that assimilation is indispensable condition to live in another culture (country) and you should put yourself into their shoes ― what they must do if they come in your country?
I think people have some stereotypes about living abroad. We always try to find better life and we hope to find it there. For some of us the dream comes true. I'll be glad to study abroad, but as for living I don't know now. There are both pluses and minuses. I think it's hard to assimilate in a foreign country because of the difference. However may be it is possible not to forget your culture if your behavior does not harm to a host country. You must speak language of your host country but you ought not to forget your native. Moreover, sometimes it's hard to communicate not only for a visitor but for inhabitants too. We all must respect others cultures then the assimilation will be easy for everybody.
Every country has it's own traditionals and habits, so it's not that easy to live abroad, but as for Russian people (I think) to live in Europe is rather comfortable. The big problem is foreign language. Now many students prefer to study English in English speaking country, it's like an adventure)I studied language together with my friend in England and we had different opinions. For example, my friend didn't like when people on the streets smiled too often or the old-fashion English style of life, as a trip London was interested for her but she said that she had never wanted to live there. And as for me, I felt there very comfortable and cosy)May be it depends on the country...
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