As people move across borders to seek better job prospects, education, or to reunite with family, cultural assimilation takes place. It’s the process of adapting to a new culture, which can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, there are certain surprising aspects of this process that many people might not be aware of. In this article, we’ll explore five such cultural assimilation facts that are sure to pique your interest.
1. Accents linger on
When people move to a new country, it’s natural to pick up the accent of the new locals. However, research has shown that even after years in a new country, people tend to retain their accent from their country of origin. This is because the brain hardwires the sounds of language during the early years of development, and it’s challenging to change them later.
2. Food preferences change
One of the most interesting aspects of cultural assimilation is the change in food preferences. As people sample new cuisines, their taste buds adapt, and they develop a liking for new food items. For instance, immigrants from India gradually develop a liking for western fast food after living in the US for a few years.
3. Language is often a barrier
Language is one of the biggest cultural assimilation barriers. Even if someone is fluent in the new language, they might struggle with idiomatic expressions, cultural nuances, or regional slangs. Moreover, non-verbal communication cues also vary across cultures, and it takes time to adapt to them.
4. Clothes change too
Clothes often reflect the cultural identity of a person. When immigrants move to a new country, they often dress like the locals to blend in with the new culture. However, over time, their fashion sense evolves, and they start developing a liking for the clothes of their new community. For example, immigrants from South Asia gradually start wearing western suits to work instead of traditional Indian kurtas.
5. Homesickness is real
Cultural assimilation involves leaving one’s comfort zone and adapting to a new environment. This can be a daunting experience and can lead to homesickness and a sense of alienation from one’s own culture. However, over time, immigrants start building new social networks and integrating into their new community, which helps them overcome homesickness.
In conclusion, cultural assimilation is a complex process that involves many surprising aspects. From food preferences to clothes and accent, every aspect of one’s life changes when they move to a new country. While cultural assimilation can be challenging, it’s also an exciting journey of exploring new cultures and building new relationships.
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