Welcoming Families From Around the World

My family is has come from the country of Tajikistan, from the Garm clan located in the Gorno- Badakhshan Autonomous Province.

Finding out what region and clan my family is from was the most important step in understanding who they are.   

Second, I needed to make sure I understood their beliefs, cultural heritage, family system, acceptable foods, language, customs, and their ceremonial occasions.  I also needed to understand their expectations for their son or daughter that would be in our program.  I need to understand the gender roles within the family system.

What I found out that I need to make myself cultural responsive is ;

1.  Men never enter a home where there are only women, and girls are never left alone with boys. Men and women separate during social gatherings, and everyone stands when another guest arrives.  When shaking hands in greeting, it is respectful to place your left hand over your heart and bow slightly.

My responsibility is to make sure on a visit I either bring a male with me, or make sure the wife and husband are home together when meeting them. 

2. Their language is Ismaili Shiite and is a sect of Islam.  I will need to learn the basic survival words and greetings that will help me connect with the family.  I will also have the language written and put in areas around the classroom to make sure the family can read and know what our program is about.  All information will be translated into their language, and if an interpreter will be available for us to communicate. 

3. I found out that the family does not eat pork, therefore our program will eliminate any pork from the menu, and bread will be served at every meal. 

4.  Education is not a priority for most families, they want their sons to get an education, but learning to care for the family comes first.  Girls are seldom sent to school, they  are trained at home to become marketable for marriage. 

As I meet with the parents I will engage in a conversation that will help me understand what the family wants for their children, and give them information about our program and what we offer.  Because in America school is required for all family members, it is important to help them understand how they can educate both their son and daughters here.  Maybe they will want to home school their daughters while following their traditions.

5. They wear amulets to protect themselves from evil, and a protection from the supernatural forces that affect daily life.  It is essential to allow them to wear an amulet in class, and to prepare our class I would ask the family if they would like to speak to the children about their traditions and clothing to help others understand the importance it has for them.  

6. Some of the rituals this family may follow are periods of fasting, Ramadan, and ceremonies.  Knowing a child might be fasting within the classroom hours is critical in not violating the child, allowing them not to eat is very important.  Also, as families engage in ceremonies it is important to know why a child is not in school, and give the parents  support in by letting them know it is ok.

By understanding the culture of my family, it will help me prepare for meeting them, and greeting them with respect and a general understanding.  The use of an interpreter will help us begin building a relationship of understanding and provide for their needs.  Learning about their country and the cultural traditions and expectations will help eliminate misunderstandings that might otherwise have occurred.

 

A man stands in the doorway of a yurt in a desolate area in the western Pamirs.

Read more: Culture of Tajikistan - history, people, clothing, traditions, women, beliefs, food, customs, family http://www.everyculture.com/Sa-Th/Tajikistan.html#ixzz1s2NzjBzY