Image Credit: Nick Fewings via Unplash
One of Melbourne’s defining traits is its cultural diversity. Migrants bring their own stories and experiences to the table, adding to the multicultural identity of the city while sharing a common sense of place. Meld’s own team reflects this, being made up of both local and international students from countries all around the world.
While Melbourne can quickly feel like a home away from home, it may feel harder to stay connected with a place that’s miles away. For this article, two Meld team members were asked about where they are originally from and how they stay true to their cultural roots.
Divya
Divya – one of our copywriters and social media associates – was born in Bhobal, India and identifies as Hindu.
Image Source: Divya
In your opinion, what best defines your culture?
To me, the best thing about my culture is the values and teachings that we learn growing up. Indian culture is influenced by diverse religions and that makes it unique.
Undoubtedly, the next best thing is the food. But can I say something without wanting to sound rude? Indian food is so much more than just butter chicken and naan!
Did you experience something of a culture shock coming from India to Australia?
I experienced culture shock through small things in my daily life. For example, in India, we don’t call our teachers by their names; we use “ma’am” or “sir”. It was so hard for me to start addressing my teachers by their names when I came to Australia. And while not a culture shock, I love how easygoing people are in Australia.
What are the small things you like to do to stay connected with your culture and make you feel like you’re at home?
I celebrate all the festivals, big or small, in different ways to keep reminding myself of the values they hold. Every now and then, I also ask my parents about different traditional recipes and try to make them (emphasis on the word “try”!).
How important is it for you to feel and stay connected to your roots, especially living in a different country with a completely different way of living?
I feel it is really important to stay connected with one’s roots and culture. No matter where you go, your culture is your identity. Being in a country with so many diverse cultures, it’s easy to feel lost in it. But the best thing about it is that you’ll be able to find people who can help you stay connected with your roots.
Ysabel
Born in the Philippines, Ysabel – one of our copywriters – identifies as Filipino.
Art Source: Ysabel
In your opinion, what best defines your culture?
To me, what best defines my culture is first and foremost the importance of family. Even if we’re scattered all across the world, we do our best to keep in touch and keep up to date with what everyone’s doing, even if we can only meet through Zoom.
Related to that, I’d say Filipinos are known for their hospitality! We’re definitely a friendly bunch, and can adapt to different cultures quite well.
Did you experience something of a culture shock coming from the Philippines to Australia?
Definitely! I came when I was younger, so primary school was a strange time! My lunches looked different to the other kids, and I was told to call my teachers by their first names instead of by “Mr”/”Ms”. It was also a bit more chill when it came to studies; not that I didn’t try as hard as I could, but it was nice having a little space to breathe and focus on making friends!
What are the small things you like to do to stay connected with your culture and make you feel like you’re at home?
I’m making more of an effort to learn and use the language a bit more, even if I get the pronunciations wrong! I’m also getting more recipes from my dad so I can try my hand at cooking them.
I’m also trying to remember more of my childhood and writing these memories down! Even if I wasn’t in the Philippines for long, these experiences were still a formative part of my life so I’d like to hold them close.
How important is it for you to feel and stay connected to your roots, especially living in a different country with a completely different way of living?
It’s very important to me! While the Philippines is miles away, I still feel like I’ll always consider the Philippines to be home, even if I don’t always fit in the best. So remembering where I’m from, what we stand for, and – of course – the culture is something I’m making more effort to do while it’s not feasible to go back and refresh my memory.