Welcoming Families From Around the World

Welcome!          වෙල්චොමේ!

 

A family from Sri Lanka, an island off the southern coast of India, is joining our center! To prepare our program staff, we are gathering some pertinent information on that country. One of the first things we need to do is learn about the language(s) used in Sri Lanka. We were able to find several websites with common words and phrases in Sinhala, the main language of this country. We will learn some basic vocabulary for use in the classroom and in communication with mom. With the help of Google Translate and Google Transliteration, we can learn to properly pronounce words in Sinhala as well as label areas of the room with dual language.

http://mylanguages.org/sinhala_vocabulary.php

http://www.sri-lanka-tour.com/travel-guide/language.htm

In addition, we found a website with other valuable information on Sri Lanka culture, customs and etiquette, including how to properly meet, greet and wish farewell.

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/srilanka.html

This website also includes information on the main religions in Sri Lanka and food preferences to be aware of based on religion. Of course we cannot assume that this information pertains to this family, it provides a springboard to ask the right questions in order to respect this family’s culture best. One example; gift giving, may not normally be considered, but with ethnic/religious considerations, it would be important to know not to give flowers as they are a sign of mourning and the colors black and white are intended for funerals and mourning. Muslims avoid pig products and Hindus should not be given gifts made of leather. There is even a proper way to offer a gift; with two hands to demonstrate graciousness and gifts are generally not opened upon receipt but saved for later.

Language is not the only consideration with regard to communication that an early childhood professional should be aware of; Sri Lankans are said to be very non-confrontational in their communication style so it is important to be able to read between the lines. The website advises that a Sri Lankan may say one thing but mean another and it is up to the listener to work out the message. Signs of discomfort in communication might be long pauses, avoidance of eye contact and blatant tactics of evasion; similar to responses in many other cultures.

It would be important to know what brings this family to America, especially if the decision was the result of violence, civil unrest, tsunami, or some other stressful event. The move into a new culture in itself would be stressful, but compounding that with ongoing or single stressful events would make it necessary to consider this child and family’s mental health. In addition, we would want to know what types of supports are in place for this family here in the states; to help connect them to needed services if desired and appropriate.

Our aim is to be both responsive and respectful in our efforts to welcome this family to our site. We look forward to getting to know them personally and learning about their home culture. As with every child, we strive to meet their unique developmental needs. We invite them to join us in aspects of American culture while we commit to carefully preserving and integrating their Sri Lankan culture. We consider this opportunity a privilege; to expand our knowledge and understanding as early childhood professionals and offer enlightenment to the children and families we serve here.