Living abroad can be an exhilarating and transformative experience, offering exposure to new cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. However, staying connected to your cultural heritage and roots, especially if you come from a different culture than the one you currently reside in, can be challenging. To maintain your connection with your culture while living abroad, it is essential to explore different pathways and adapt to the new environment while preserving your cultural identity. I can give you some tips from my experiences as a Slavic person in the UK!
Language
One of the primary ways to stay connected to your culture is through its language. Many immigrants miss out on the opportunity to deepen their connection to their home cultures by not fully mastering the tongue of their new country. Learning the language of your new home country is not only beneficial from a practical perspective but also allows you to interact with the local environment and truly integrate into the local society.
For Slavic Czech people, learning English is especially important when living abroad in Britain. English is the primary language used in most aspects of daily life, from interacting with locals to navigating public services. By learning English, I can participate in conversations, understand cultural references, and participate in British society more fully. Not only does it enhance my personal experience, but it also strengthens my relationship with my Czech heritage.
However, language learning can be challenging, especially for Slavic Czech people who grew up in a culture with a different linguistic background. It requires patience, perseverance, and a conscious effort to learn the new language and embrace its nuances. It is also beneficial to seek resources that help you reconnect with your Slavic Czech language and culture, such as Slavic Czech communities, books, podcasts, and websites. I must emphasize that it is very important to keep the balance. It is important to speak with people from your native country, but do not miss out on opportunities because you neglect the new language and culture.
Celebrating Holidays
Celebrating holidays is an integral part of any culture, and living abroad should not deprive you of the opportunity to observe and celebrate these special occasions. While it may be difficult to replicate the festivities and traditions that you are accustomed to in your home country, there are plenty of ways to adapt them and make them your own.
For instance, in Britain, we celebrate Christmas and Easter differently than in Czechia. However, I have found that by embracing British traditions, I can still maintain a sense of connection with my Czech heritage. For example, instead of eating roast on the 25th, I also eat carp and potato salad on the 24th. Instead of one tradition, I have two now!
Understanding and embracing local traditions is another way to stay connected to your own culture while living abroad. By participating in local festivals and events, you can experience a different side of the culture that you are living in and gain a deeper understanding of its values and customs.
However, it is also important to keep traditions alive in your way. As a Czech person living in the UK, I have found ways to incorporate traditional Slavic Czech customs into my life. For example, I celebrate Czech Independence Day by baking traditional Czech pastries and hosting a small gathering with friends who are also from the Czech Republic.
In conclusion, while living abroad may pose challenges to staying connected to your culture, it is not impossible. By embracing language, celebrating holidays, and maintaining traditions, it is possible to maintain your cultural ties and make the most out of your experience in a different country. And if you ever feel it is impossible, talk to your friends and family who live in your native country. They can help you with ideas on how to keep up with your own culture.