As international families or diaspora families, one of the aspects people tend to struggle with is in the area of culture. Some people struggle with culture consciously while others are not conscious of the fact that what they are actually dealing with is embedded in culture(s). People in diaspora are sometimes oblivious of the fact that they are exposed to multiple cultures when they are outside their immediate cultural setting. The challenge arises from unconscious comparison between their culture of origin and the culture they have found themselves. This could also include other cultures they have been exposed to in various ways. They begin to compare, sometimes unconsciously, their original culture with the culture in which they find themselves. As a result of these interactions, a sub culture or another culture begins to evolve. All of these lead to more confusion, the need to understand and cope with the new culture. So, there we have the challenge of adjusting to a new culture, accepting the differences in cultures, understanding the culture change in relation to their initial culture or many other cultures they may have come in contact with and have rubbed off on them. Culture seems to be very important to people in diaspora.
What is culture?
The Cambridge English dictionary defines it as the way of life, especially the general customs and beliefs of a particular group of people at a particular time’[i] while the live science dictionary defines it as ,‘The characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts.’[ii]
I am of the view that there are varied meanings of culture which is indicated in most of the dictionaries. I think culture sums up everything we do as humans. It refers to ‘learned human behaviour patterns’ which may include belief, knowledge, morals, dress, custom and other capabilities and habits that the individual or community may have acquired over time. These values and elements are passed on from one generation to the other mostly informally.’[iii] Culture, therefore, sums up the person and the interaction between the person, their relationships and their environment. When people find themselves outside their immediate setting, this becomes a major factor that they have to deal with. In the process of trying to handle all that come their way, they forget that a crucial aspect of that is the multiple cultures that they are surrounded with and how to process that. As we journey along on this forum as families in diaspora, we will seek to discuss and address these issues. We will seek to understand and interact with the pleasures and challenges of culture. Join the train with your comments and experiences.
[ii] Kim Ann Zimmermann, Live Science Contributor, February 19, 2015 08:29pm http://www.livescience.com/21478-what-is-culture-definition-of-culture.html
[iii] Daramola, Ibidun B. (2016), Pastoral Counselling in Africa Westbow Publishing
I am also worried about this question. Where can I find more information on this issue?
Hello,
Thanks for the feedback. What question are you warried about please? I can respond or point you in the right direction if I don’t have an answer.