It seems to me that there are varying views on the subject, and I wanted to see what the consensus was:
What should be expected of a foreigner? Specifically, how much of the language should he or she be expected to learn, how “assimilated” to the culture should he or she try to be, etc.?
Obviously a country can’t be expected to print signs, menus, etc. in every language, but I know that some countries print in two. Also obviously I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect someone to know the entire cultural background and language of a culture before making a day-trip. I do think there should be some expectations however.
I guess all-in-all it depends on the length/nature of the stay, and perhaps even the country in question, as I think it’s easier to not be “assimilated” in America than it would be in a less culturally diverse nation.
This comes up because here in college I see groups of students who don’t seem to be fitting in at all, or even trying. Due to the campus I’m on, they’re mostly Asian, but then they’re also the most prominent minority too… I’ve seen and heard of other people of various nationalities (including American) in society who move to or visit various countries who get annoyed when people don’t do things their way or who don’t try to accomodate them.
Don’t get the wrong idea…I don’t think everyone should be and talk and act the same, but I wouldn’t dream of going to another country to live for a long period of time without having a pretty darn good grasp on the language and culture of said country.
So, in terms of learning the culture and the language, what do you think the expectations of foreigners should be for vacations or even for moving to the country to live for five or ten years?
Well, America is a huge assimilation machine. I dated a native Puerto Rican (an islander, not a New Yorker) for 6 years and have known enough Hispanic people to tell you that:
First generation immigrants are most likely to retain their own language and customs. They might or might not learn English, it seems to vary with their education level (i.e. my ex’s Dad was an electrical engineer that had a thick accent yet could converse with anyone, in contrast to the poorly-educated Mexican day laborer that only knows a smattering of English).
Second generation children of immigrants will retain many (but not all) of their customs and will be mostly bilingual, speaking their native tongue at home, but English at work or with friends.
Third generation children of immigrants will probably not “speak” their “native” tongue at all, save a few phrases. They will typically speak in English 99.9% of the time and be as “American” as you and me.
If you doubt me, look at the Italians. 100 years ago, most of teh people arriving at Ellis Island were poor immigrants that stuck to ethnic neighborhoods where they felt “at home”. Their children got an education and moved out to the suburbs, but could still speak Italian with Mom and Dad. Their children don’t truly speak Italian at all, except for the occasional “manga manga!” or whatever.
Do you think that there should be basic EXPECTATIONS of anyone who visits a country for a given reason? Is it reasonable to expect someone who visits another country for a vacation to be able to understand certain things about the visited country’s language, customs, and culture? If so, what sorts of things should they be able to understand?
How much more (if any) do you think they should be expected to understand if they took a job internship, an overseas study program, or something else where they’d be in the foreign country for more than a month?
How much more (if any), if they decide to live there for five, ten, twenty years?
Basically I’m having conflicting ideas about this myself, and I’d like to hear what other people have to say on the subject.
Learn as much as is within your capacity before you go. Even if you feel completely inept, most people will appreciate if you are trying your best to respect their language and customs.
Short visit: Learn what customs are offensive. Certain gestures mean completely different things in different places. The American “OK” sign, with the thumb & forefinger together and the other 3 fingers up, is an obscene gesture in some places. Acceptable dress is an essential. Minimally, be able to ask where the bathroom is, request a menu, request the check. Numbers. That sort of thing is for your own safety and protection.
Extended stay: I think if you’re in a place for a year or more, you should by the end of that time be able to carry on a reasonable conversation. It’s hard to learn a new language if you’re in your teens or later, but can be done if you put forth the effort.
That said, we all tend to gravitate toward the familiar and easy path, and tend to self-segregate. As Rex said above, there is a long history of Chinatowns, Germantowns, Little Italies, etc. in the U.S., but those who immigrate as children or are born here can very soon adopt the local language and customs regardless of what their parents do.
Certainly if I went to live in another country for an extended time, and if I wanted to succeed in whatever I was doing there, it would be in my best interests to try to assimilate myself as soon as I could.
Sometimes I am asked questions in a foreign language when I go through the passport checkpoint. It helps to know what’s going on. Check out Rick Steves’ books at bookstores or libraries. He has decades of experience traveling, and he recommends learning some culture and phrases to just get along and be polite. Just to survive, you might want to learn certain phrases like, “Mátele!” (Spanish) If you hear that, get out of the area. There is also a good series of books called, “Culture Shock.”
I agree with MLS – learn what you can before you go.
My company sends me to Asia on business trips so I’ve made it my business to learn about the customs of the countries I visit. I’ve also purchased (and used) phrase books (I like the Rough Guide series). No I may never be fluent in any of the languages, but by trying, I show the citizens in these countries that I respect their cultures and languages.
What’s even more important is understanding how to dress. That’s especially true in countries with large religious populations. Believe me, when I go to India, I do not expose much skin at all – as a western woman, I am very careful indeed to ensure my clothing does not give offense.
