Everyone knows how to be a tourist, but if you want to make a deeper connection with a new culture, you gotta do a little extra work.
Requiring an open mind, learning about a new culture can be life changing!
When I moved to Bolivia, I never thought I would be able to consider myself a Bolivian (even though my mom’s from there). Hindered by my terrible accent and distinctly American taste buds, I struggled to integrate.
Though, importantly, I learned some things!
I found that…
… were invaluable to integrating into a new culture.
Let me tell you about them!
Asking Questions
Asking questions is fundamental to get to know someone, and consequently a culture. A culture is determined by the people who make it up, so asking someone about a people’s religion, favorite food, or language is the easiest way to form a connection.
It’s important to go straight to the source and ask the individual people, since online articles and YouTube videos can only take you so far.
There’s something special when someone tells you about their way of life – it’s authentic and personal.
An important topic, that is ever entwined with culture, is: holidays.
When I arrived in Bolivia, I realized Bolivian culture is especially bright during holidays.
The Alasitas (celebration of the God of luck) shows how Bolivian culture is rooted in indigenous beliefs. There are month-long fairs selling small everyday items that are said to bring luck and prosperity. Talking and learning about these intricacies of Bolivian culture was instrumental to my integration.
Additionally, it’s so fun! Cultural holidays are also a great opportunity to make lasting friends.
Language
I can’t stress the importance of language enough. If you know nothing about a culture’s language it’s almost impossible to authentically connect with its people.
Does this mean you need to be fluent in French to go have a baguette with your French friends?
No, you just need to know something.
A couple greetings, how to say please and thank you, and basic introductions can go a long way. Being proactive and learning at least some of a culture’s language shows its people you are willing to learn and are open to their culture and way of life.
When I moved to Bolivia, my Spanish was not good at all. I struggled making friends since I couldn’t get anyone to understand me. Only once I was able to muster some Spanish was I able to make deeper connections with my peers. I learned to chat and gossip while improving my Spanish a lot!
Pro tip: try and find a friend that also speaks your language and can translate for you when needed!
P.S. if you’re having trouble learning Spanish, check my blog post: What School Didn’t Teach you in Spanish Class…
Hobbies
Although this might not be worthwhile to pursue if you’re traveling somewhere for only a short time, if you intend to stay longer, forming new hobbies that are popular in your surrounding culture is worth your time.
This can be like trying soccer out in Brazil or even watching football in the U.S.
Whatever the people around you do, try it out.
Connecting with people through similar pastimes and hobbies allows you to bridge a possible language barrier.
After all, you don’t usually talk much over a game of chess!
Hobbies give a unique insight into what makes up a culture. I found cooking to be very important in Bolivian culture. Cultural food takes a long time to prepare and is featured in all the Bolivian holidays. Although I’m not much of a cook (I once swapped the sugar for salt in a batch of brownies that my dog didn’t even want to eat), I always try to help out in the kitchen.
Overall, knowing more about a people’s culture through their daily lives, language, and hobbies is the only way to truly integrate. Experiencing a new culture is beautiful and having a different perspective on life is always beneficial.
With these tips, I’m sure you’ll succeed in your new culture! Thanks for making it this far and feel free to check out some other posts below…
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