Cultural diversity from my point of view impacts moving from a familiar culture to one which is unfamiliar. It is my experience that people, who have travelled abroad to work, live or study, can feel the change to a large extent. It can also include a change of being separated from the important people in one’s life, such as family, friends, colleagues, and teachers: people who you would normally talk to at times of uncertainty, mainly people who would give you support and guidance. When we miss familiar sights, sounds, smells or tastes that’s when we realize the fact of Cultural diversity.
Being a schoolteacher for Key Stage 1 and 2 and a mother of young school going children, I tried to observe and analyse some factors which influences or play a vital role in cultural diversity for the people coming here from abroad.
Some of the different elements of cultural diversity:
1. Climate
2. Food
3. Language
4. Dress
5. School
6. Travel
Follow these tips on how to overcome cultural diversity when living abroad.
1. Climate: The climate in England keeps changing at all times, so one needs to be prepared mentally and physically. We need to maintain a healthy immune system in order to cope with the climate change.
2. Food: A variety of foods can be found in England from diverse cultures which can be very exciting and tempting however; we need to eat the right kind of foods at the right time. So eating ice creams can be enjoyed in the summers.
3. Language: English being the native language of England as well as an international language. People must be ready to learn and communicate in English. English plays a very important role in England because it is helps students in their academics at school, university or work. One can find many books in English libraries or at institutes teaching English to help them out learn the language.
4. Dress: The right kind of clothing needs to be worn in the right season. Rainy weather is experienced throughout the year so one needs to carry an umbrella at all times. Warm clothing needs to be worn like coats, caps, mufflers, gloves and boots to keep warm.
5. School: There are many Primary and Secondary schools in England. One gets to experience different children coming from different countries with different cultures attending school. Respecting and understanding ones culture is very important at school. Children need to spend more time with each other and learn about the different cultures. Adjusting takes time but one then gradually gets used to it.
6. Travel: All modes of transport are easily accessible and a breeze to follow whether it be by car, cab, bus, tube or train. The information about these modes is easily available on various websites and at the respective stations.
Someone once said “The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people”