This week we were asked to;
"You are working in an early childhood setting of your choice—a hospital, a child care center, a social service agency. You receive word that the child of a family who has recently emigrated from a country you know nothing about will join your group soon. You want to prepare yourself to welcome the child and her family. Luckily, you are enrolled in a course about diversity and have learned that in order to support families who have immigrated you need to know more than surface facts about their country of origin.
In order to complete this assignment, first choose a country you know nothing about as this family’s country of origin."
The country that I chose for my family's country of origin is ......
Dubai
I chose this place because I have always been interested in the culture,the beautiful city, and their technology.
"
Culture and People
Dubai's culture is firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. Islam is more than just a religion, it is a way of life that governs even the smallest of everyday events, from what to wear to what to eat and drink. Arabic culture in poetry, dancing, songs and traditional art is encouraged and weddings and celebrations are colorful occasions of feasting and music.
Hospitality
The most highly prized virtues of the Arab world are courtesy and hospitality. And they charm there guests the genuine warmth and friendliness. The serving of freshly ground Arabic coffee flavoured with cardamom is a sign of welcome. This is poured from the traditional long-spouted Arabic coffee pot into small cups with no handles. It is considered polite to accept one, two or three cups and then shake the cup gently from side to side to indicate you have had enough.
Family Life
The family is the most important institution in Arab society encompassing grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc as well as the immediate nuclear family unit. Relationships within these extended families are strong and respect is accorded to the elder members.
Marriages are arranged between families, although the bride and bridegroom naturally have to agree to the liaison. Wedding celebrations are major occasions lasting for several days. They involve feasting, music and dancing. Women are respected in Islamic society, taking their place at the heart of the family. Women also have equal educational opportunities and increasingly work outside the home.
Traditional Sports
The Traditional sport that is still practiced is the sport of falconry, a unique partnership between man and bird, and it is not unusual to see a hooded falcon being trained on its owner's gloved wrist.
The ancient sport of camel racing attracts a sizeable following and substantial purses for champions.
Throughout history, the Arab's have maintained great love of horses. This tradition lives on today in the rapid growth and development of horse racing in Dubai in recent years, including the establishment of the Dubai World Cup the world's richest horse race.
Theatre
There is only one permanent theatre company in Dubai. The Indian Playhouse, the Intercontinental Hotel, features performances by Burjor Patel Productions and hosts the travelling British Airways Playhouse, which makes frequent visits to Dubai.
Dance
There are a number of dance schools in Dubai like the renowned Ballet Center, behind, with ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance. In addition, belly-dancing and traditional dances are a mainstay in Arabic nightclubs, such as Al-Diwan, Metropolitan Palace Hotel and Escoba, Al-Khaleej Palace Hotel.
Music
The Dubai International Congress Center and The Crowne Plaza Hotel are the main venues that host visiting orchestras and musicians from around the world. Arabic nightclubs are the main venues for traditional Arabian music."
The five ways in which I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this family is
Researching
- I would research "my" family and "our" people. "our" culture, belief systems, food, and traditions. Even if I may not have the same beliefs, I will know how to conduct myself respectfully.
Immersion
- I would totally immerse myself in their ways before I go there, so I will not feel the effects of culture shock.
Learn the language
- I would learn the most important words firstly, so that I could survive even when left alone.
Study the family History and I would research the educational culture as well, because education is my passion.
Hopefully, with these preparations I would be able to be successful and comfortable in my new environment, and hopefully it would create a closeness to my family.
