In every day life you hear the different ethnicity around the world, but never knew much about their cultures and living status. I have always been interested in the Filipino culture and the people.
I am a director of a small social service agency and I had a family of six coming from the Philippines. I was unaware of their status and especially their culture. I always heard the Filipino was similar to Hispanic families, but if they were from their homeland, they would be more traditional. I started on my research about the Filipino culture and their people and this is what I have learned.
1. The family is the center of the social structure including, the immediate family, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, godparents, sponsors and close family friends.
2. They must live up to the standards and if they fail, they will shame not only themselves, but the family too.
3. The family will not eat until the hostess invites them to eat. When eating they are often served family-style.
4. Their official language spoken is Tagalog.
5. A handshake with a welcoming smile is a standard greet.
6. English is generally used for education, governmental, and commercial purposes.
Five ways to be culturally responsive:
1. Being committed to knowing the family and their culture.
2. Being more sensitive to how they deal with conflicts.
3. Be alert of my own biases.
4. Ask questions.
5. Work with the family to develop a sense of trust.
Being prepared to meeting a new culture and family is much more than just research. Hoping that the information I did gathered and research would help me part way with the family. Setting all my biases aside is the first major step to going forward with anything. Gaining the family trust is another major step, knowing everyone and having an understanding of how I would benefit the family. Every family is different and I could not base my information on books, internet or any resources because knowing the family at a personal level and business level means much more.
Gathering information is essential to knowing the culture, tradition and making sure that you don't offend when you first meet them is important. Trust issues would be hard for any family coming into an unknown environment where they don't speak the language and are unfamiliar with the area so what you said about getting involved on a personal level would mean a lot because you can help be the bridge to make them feel and be more comfortable in a strange land. A sense of trust is what they would need before any real dialogue about academics, customs, and assistance can be offered. Good post I enjoyed reading it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Number for said ask question. You have to grow a trusting relationship with your families so they will be comfortable with asking questions and getting help when needed. Trust will allow them to be open and honest and have a better communication relationship with you.
ReplyDeleteMaria,
ReplyDeleteWonderful post!! I love that you provided insight regarding the family and some of its culture. Knowing the dynamic and significance of the family will definitely help you to develop the trust necessary for the child to thrive.