If I were to host a
family from around the world, my family would be from Asia. I know this is a
continent, but there are places that are interesting in Asia including Israel,
Jordan, and Thailand. I chose these three areas because I know of individuals
from this part of the world. My family’s country of origin would be Jordan. I
use to work for a man and his family; they are from Jordan and they have some
very interesting ways, habits, and religious beliefs.
In order for me to
become culturally responsive towards this family, I would have to research
their culture to find out how they dress, what foods they like to eat, what is
their native language, and what are their abilities. I need to know, how and
when they worship, some cultural traits that differ for my area, how they
parent their children, what their family roles are, and what is acceptable or
not acceptable in their family and or culture. I chose to learn more about these
aspects of their culture because clothes, food, religion, child rearing, roles,
and acceptance are a major part of becoming culturally aware. What if they do
not believe women should have a voice; what if they pray five times a day? What
if they do not eat certain types of food; all of this is important if one wants
to truly understand another’s culture. There are several ways I would prepare myself
to receive my new family; first, I would search the internet for information,
interview professionals, and or local families from that area, and phone ahead
to find out what they would need when they arrive. I would read a few books
about the culture and the people; and then I would locate and incorporate some
of their music, foods, and art within their new home environment.
After researching the
culture, interviewing others, and locating some custom items, I hope these
preparations will make the family feel welcomed. These preparations will
benefit me because I will have a better understanding of how to meet the needs
of each of the members in the family. I will know what food items to pick up
prior to their arrival, and I will create a safe space for their living area.
These preparations will benefit the family because they will feel relaxed and
comfortable in their new environment, if they see some familiar pictures, art,
and music. They will also feel welcomed if I went the extra mile to learn about
their way of life. I know if I were to visit another part of the world, I hope
my host family would have some idea of what I needed; pertaining to my religion
and customs. I would feel more comfortable if I saw some of my favorite foods,
music, art, and books. Knowing I cared enough to learn about their culture
would benefit my family and me as well.
Lah-Lah
