If I had to evacuate to a foreign country and was only able to take one change of clothes and three small additional items, I would take my:
Family Photo Album
Letters
and Family BIBLE
![Family Bible-NIV[Hardcover]](http://a4.bing.com/thumb/get?bid=yMpgsGeE3pLDbw&bn=CC&fbid=7wIR63%2bClmj%2b0A&fbn=CC "Family Bible-NIV[Hardcover]")
I would first try to communicate with the natives by learning their language. I would also attempt to teach them my native language, by pointing to pictures and items while pronouncing the word of the item that I am referring to in English. I would encourage them to repeat the word to me and then ask them to teach me how to say it in their language. After we've had a chance to learn each other's language, I would explain to them the significance of the photo album and how it represent family and friends celebrating different ceremonies in my country. I would read my family letters to them so that they can hear the passion in tone of the writer. I would then explain how my family live by the guidance of the Holy Bible that teaches us what's right and what's wrong. If allowed, I will share my culture while learning theirs: in hopes of preserving my identity as well as my culture.
It would be very difficult for me to give up any of the items that I was allowed to bring, because they are very dear to my heart. If upon my arrival I was told that I had to give up two of the items, I would fill lost and alone. I think I would fill very much out of place.
I gained great insight in identifying what are the most important items I would not want to leave behind. These items are of great significant in my culture, I didn’t realize just how much until now. Just as we want to feel respected and accepted, so do the children and their families we serve. This assignment made me reflect on the importance of individual cultures and it's inclusion within the classroom community.
Hi Brenda,
ReplyDeleteYour description of how you would both learn the new culture while maintaining yours was very insightful. We both chose family photos and our Bibles! I also agree with you that this assignment was a great time to reflect on the importance of respecting and accepting our student’s cultures.
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteYou showed how you would make the efforts to interact with others who do not speak in your primary language. This is a wonderful character of a person, because it shows that you are willing to step out of your comfort zone. Being in an unusual circumstance is always terrifying--if not, at least awkward, it is important to show the efforts in making connection.
I experience this all the time. Because I am deaf, American Sign Language is my primary language and not everyone can sign. I learned to "make it fit" with others in order to achieve the communication between us.
This apply in early childhood classroom, professional, and the rest of the field.
After reading your blog and other classmates, I realized we share items such as the Bible and photo albums. These items hold a meaning of their own to each of us. This assignment has proven once again that fancy material objects do not mean anything when you don’t have the true things that matters most in life. None of us mentioned Iphones, cars, and money which on a daily basis we sometime act like we can’t do without those items. I do agree with you, if I had to give up any of the three items I would feel like I have lost a piece of myself.
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