by Mikki Beru
Individualism and collectivism
What is culture? At its world conference on cultural policies, Unesco defines it as "a set of distinctive features, spiritual and material, intellectual and emotional, which characterize a society or a social group. In addition to the arts and letters, it encompasses ways of life, fundamental human rights, values, traditions and beliefs [and] gives man the capacity to reflect on himself. This makes us, specifically rational, critical and ethically committed human beings. This process allows us to discern values and make choices. Values allow men to express themselves, become aware of themselves, recognize themselves as an unfinished project, questions their achievements, search for new meanings and create works that transcend them”. (Mexico City Declaration on Cultural Policies, 1982)
"Unfinished project" means that the man is perpetually building himself. Travelling has the power of instilling humility, as long as we admit our real position. Because before even talking about respect for others, we have to examine our relationship with ourselves. Living in a country where individualism is the norm or in a state favouring group culture greatly influences our perceptions. Individualism is a "doctrine which makes the individual the foundation of society and moral standards". Collectivism, or group culture, instead perceives the individual as the link in a chain. Depending on others, the individual participates and guarantees the stability of the whole system. Western countries are renowned for their individualistic culture, while Eastern and African countries have embraced a collectivist culture.
Freedom and respect for others
These concepts imply norms and values, which induce appreciable behaviour in certain conditions, but not in others. Individualism brings autonomy, independence, personal initiative, which are desirable assets, especially in professional circles. But individualism can also relate to selfishness, feelings of superiority, and self-centeredness. Taking initiatives may be welcomed in a country like France but not in Japan, where it can be perceived as arrogance. Cooperation is perceived positively in the professional environment because it implies the capacity for listening, observing, questioning, and empathy. But it can also give rise to fears of passivity, which is a negative trait for an expat. Group pressure can also have an impact on personal growth. This applies as much to the professional circle as it does to social circles.
Expats often find themselves in delicate positions, with the feeling of a lack of freedom. Freedom of expression, which is a fundamental value, is restricted in some countries. Far from embracing all the values of their host country, careful observation can allow expats to best adapt their behaviour to their new culture. For example, to openly criticize the Chinese regime seems cavalier. We are much less likely to criticize the royal family of England, although we will offend the locals with whom we want to have ties. More broadly, arriving in a foreign country claiming your expatriate status as a privilege allowing systematic criticism will rarely be considered a sign of openness and respect. Sometimes overused, the idea of freedom slips towards "my freedom first and foremost", a pretext for adopting questionable behaviour. In this way, “reputations” are forged well anchored in the collective unconscious of the premises. Some expats find no harm in reproducing their typical behaviour abroad, like crossing the street outside pedestrian crossings or at red lights. This can be usual practice in France, for example, but considered extravagant in Japan. In Tokyo, there are police officers in front of specific streets, ready to whistle any pedestrian who dares to cross at a red light.
Individual behaviour puts your own perception and interest ahead of those of others. You tend to think that: “I am an expatriate. I have the right. People will understand me”. But the truth is that expatriates have to understand others to better question themselves. So they are required to unlearn to embrace their new culture better.
Unlearn and relearn
There are many reasons why people relocate abroad. While most of them move for better career prospects and higher wages, there are many things to consider. For example, adapting to a new culture, including the business culture, can be challenging. But expat life is not limited to work. Visualizing the professional sphere only makes one fear being stuck in an expat circle. Often, expats do not even speak their new country's language, which makes it hard for them to integrate. Things tend to get even more complicated for expat couples and families. People not directly involved in the professional project are more likely to see the new challenges, such as the local labour market and difficulty finding a job, integration into the new school, daily activities, etc.
There is no real answer to this situation, but continuous learning is the key. Respecting the culture and the country requires unlearning some of the standards acquired in your home country to better learn that of your host country. Sometimes, you have to forget where you come from to rediscover yourself in your new country. It's a pseudo-oblivion that does not question your origin but helps you avoid the pitfall of feeling privileged. You will tend to think that: "I am expatriate", "I am of this nationality". But keep in mind that an expatriate is in no case superior to a local, regardless of their social status. An expatriate is an individual like any other.
To unlearn and relearn is to discover new traditions, cultures and practices. It includes speaking another language. As a communication vector, a language conveys many social codes. Some expatriates say they do not suffer from their lack of mastery of the local language. Nevertheless, speaking the same language makes it possible to avoid interpersonal skills, better understand a new culture, and embrace its codes. As a child, an expatriate also learns by imitating others. The frustration felt at the beginning is beneficial because it induces humility and respect. Expatriates will need help, especially during the first months of their installation, and locals will be more inclined to help them as they see the efforts to integrate. Of course, expatriates may prefer to flock together and build an expat network, but this should not prevent them from opening up to others. Otherwise, they will have to question their purpose of moving abroad.
Expatriates may fear being continually observed by others, especially due to their skin colour. And they tend to observe the people around them, and this isn't a bad thing after all. Mutual observation, being respectful and not judgmental, allows everyone to reposition themselves. Locals are more likely to differentiate integrated expatriates from others. Expats who have successfully integrated can be recognized by their approach, gestures, and ability to communicate, which are pretty similar to those of the locals. However, expatriates can still be perceived as foreigners, even after spending many years abroad. While this can be very frustrating, it invites greater humility.
Respect and humility are the keys to successful integration into a new country. This is why well-integrated expatriates prefer to dissociate themselves from other foreigners, fearing confusion from the locals. Cultural diversity is an opportunity, and moving abroad is a good way to understand others and oneself. When these are placed on the right balance, expatriates are able to better appreciate their new life and all the changes brought into themselves.
Article translated from Comment être respectueux de la culture et des gens de son pays d'accueil
