Where Do You Stand?

Last activity 14 May 2013 by thetefldon

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thetefldonViP12 May 2013 15:06:35

469

As an expat livng in Thailand where do you stand when it comes to integrating into the Thai culture.

Do you pursue a route of cultural pluralism or accept assimilation into the Thai culture?

Do you ignore your heritage and integrate fully(assimilation) into your new countries culture or do you do the opposite(pluralism), determined to maintain you home countries traditions. If you have children what about them, do you want to foster their(your) heritage in a pluralistic way or do you go down the assimilation route with them?

Even simple things like the way you celebrate a birthday or religious festivals such as Christmas and Easter can be considerably different or none existent in your host country.

Additionally you are faced with a host of new customs, some of which will no doubt be alien to your own culture. Do you simply ignore them or throw yourself wholeheartedly into the process?

Business practice may well be different and your employer might well expect you to behave in a certain way.

In Thailand for example it is considered bad practice to raise your voice or cause another person to loose face. Seemingly innocent Western practices in the way you treat subordinates might well bring this about.

So where does this leave you as an expat in Thailand, are you a pluralist or do you prefer to take the route of assimilation into your new culture?

thompy4578Guest13 May 2013 03:13:18

214245

Excellently written, and thought-provoking article. When I move to Thailand, I plan to follow the old quote, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do". I will always cherish my heritage, but when another country accepts me to live in their midst, I should acknowledge that respect by embracing their culture, their speech, and mindset. If I miss everything about my home-country so much, then why leave in the first place?

Thanks for letting me give my thoughts!
Best, Dave

stumpyLaos Expert13 May 2013 23:22:00

17933

I live in Laos, have been coming and going from there for over 40 years now.
I work away in different countries and come home to Laos on my leave breaks.
I would class myself as a pluralist as I slip easily into the Lao way when home on break and adopt the system of whatever country I am working in.

scottmallonSerial expat14 May 2013 02:01:29

229

I'm not willing to give up my cultural identity thus I consider myself a pluralist. When in Thailand, do as the Romans/Thais. My home is Farangland and we speak English.

thetefldonViP14 May 2013 04:57:31

469

stumpy wrote:
I live in Laos, have been coming and going from there for over 40 years now.
I work away in different countries and come home to Laos on my leave breaks.
I would class myself as a pluralist as I slip easily into the Lao way when home on break and adopt the system of whatever country I am working in.

When I was in the armed forces I certainly adopted this approach. Now that I have settled here I try and embrace the local culture while still following my own for example like celebrating birthdays and Christmas.

thetefldonViP14 May 2013 05:00:13

469

scottmallon wrote:
I'm not willing to give up my cultural identity thus I consider myself a pluralist. When in Thailand, do as the Romans/Thais. My home is Farangland and we speak English.

Scott, up to you as the locals say ;-) But I see you do advocate speaking Thai in your latest video.

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