One of the most challenging things for Africans in diaspora is adapting to a new culture. Most of the time- perhaps due to globalisation- Africans think they have the liberty to import their culture into a new found home. While the new country of immigration may accept a diverse workforce and students from various backgrounds, Africans need to wake up to the reality that even the Africans who have lived most of their lives in diaspora are not like the Africans they left back in their former places of residence. Here are five habits or attitudes that an African needs to let go of to be able to adjust well in diaspora.
Imposing Your Custom on Others
While it may be customary for you to do certain things in your culture such as greeting strangers or colleagues, it may not be a practice in your new place of residence. Being courteous is universal but you cannot impose kindness or good behaviour on everyone you encounter.
Parenting Other People’s Children
In Africa, it is believed that a mother bears a child but it takes a community to raise the child. In most western laws, the parents or legal guardians are the ones who have the primary duty of care and discipline of a child. You have no right to parent someone’s else’s child by counsel or even threats. You can be made to face the law if you cross those boundaries. Indeed, if you have no biological child, it makes it worse for you to share your opinion on parenting when you have not been invited to do so.
Presenting Gifts to A Person of Influence
You need to be careful not to offer gifts to your lecturers, supervisors and other persons who can influence decisions in your school or career. Be sure you have a relationship where it is appropriate to do so before you venture into it. Also, familiarise yourself with the policies that guide your work relations with others. You don’t want to be labelled as someone who is seeking favours.
Speaking Your Mother Tongue Aloud
While you have the freedom of speech and other rights to life, you should use your discretion when in public. In this era of Google translate, people who have smart devices can detect what you’re saying using the apps. Apart from the breach of privacy, it is also disrespectful of local culture and indecent to be so loud in your mother tongue.
Speaking Condescendingly of Other Cultures
No matter how the conversation is angled, never ever take part in bashing other people’s culture. Your words may be used against you.
