Cultural Considerations

• Author: Caroline Sarkis, Barbara Tint, Gloria Ngezaho, Roland Clarke, and Mindy Johnston
• Pages: 49-61

Cultural Considerations 49

We have seen how diaspora communities face multiple challenges in their new

settlement contexts. Economic, social, educational, linguistic, and political barriers

all present difficulties for refugees and immigrants integrating and adapting to their

host land. The factors informing diaspora experiences in host communities are

complex and multidimensional. These factors, including education, gender, race,

employment, and cultural understandings, are exacerbated for refugees by the

trauma and shock of fleeing violent conflict. Although government agencies can

help facilitate the integration process for refugees specifically by coordinating lan-

guage classes, employment, and shelter, the cultural disparities often encountered

within these communities vis‐à‐vis their host communities can hinder assimilation

processes.

As a result, some of the diaspora communities opt for segregation and separa-

tion from host societies. The conflict experienced by diaspora communities within

their host nations is often informed by social and cultural understandings of

particular and disparate worldviews. As culture is so closely tied to our conscious-

ness, it affects experiences and perceptions are socially structured (Avruch and

Black, 1991). As a result, socially constructed perceptions impact interactions

between diaspora communities and their host societies. As diaspora communities

experience trauma and loss as a result of leaving their homelands and are often

challenged to rebuild their lives amid new cultural norms, religions, educational

systems, economic realities, employment situations, languages, and social and

political barriers, the large number of diaspora populations globally requires an

understanding of the complexities and factors associated with their unique

experiences.

Perhaps one of the most salient issues that affect diaspora communities is that of

cultural adaptation. Regardless of the circumstances of their migration, immigrant

communities must adjust to new languages, living conditions, employment,

educational systems, and cultural contexts. Even without the challenges that

accompany forced or conflict‐driven relocation, moving to a new country evokes

some culture shock. In the cases of new immigrants and refugees, this culture

shock can often be exacerbated by the trauma experienced with living – and

fleeing– violent conflict. Degrees of assimilation and acculturation success vary

across ethnic groups and individuals within those groups. The ability to navigate

this cultural adaptation is part of what informs a successful transition into the

diaspora; individuals and groups are constantly striving to succeed in their new land

while maintaining their home cultural identity and practices.

In considering the development of dialogue work within diaspora communities,

balancing this cultural terrain must also be considered to maximize the potential for

culturally congruent, sensitive, and accessible processes. This chapter will explore

cultural dynamics, how they impact resettlement experiences, and how they must

inform the development of dialogue processes between diaspora communities. The

context of the African communities served through DDP will provide a case study

analysis of these issues.