The snapshot “Life In Dorms at UFV” from Issue 22 of The Cascade had a misleading title. At first glance, I expected to read about the interesting activities that took place in residence, but no, it was the author’s frustration about cultural divide. As such, I would like to offer a few suggestions on how this self-imposed divide can be torn down. You are not as helpless as you might think.
For the record, I’m an exchange student from Singapore, and I live in Baker House. Every other nationality is as foreign to me as we all are to the author of the snapshot article. The suggestions are simple and it starts with the self.
Tip 1: Get out of one’s comfort zone.
Living in Baker House has been wonderful. The best thing about Baker House is its kitchens. Every evening, the kitchens become a melting pot of cultures. For instance, the first floor kitchen is occupied by the Japanese, Singaporeans, Dutch, Swiss, and Scottish at the same time every day. (No locals, though!) Now here’s the problem: I am not a very vocal person, choosing to listen more than to speak. However, my desire to learn more about people unlike myself forces me out of my bubble. Interacting with people from various nationalities has helped so much in broadening my view of the world and its peoples.
Tip 2: Get rid of one’s pride.
The author says, and I quote: “This tends to make it hard to get to know your neighbours when you don’t speak the same language and don’t have any intention in learning the others.” For the benefit of those who don’t already know, every single person living in residence has to know basic English in order to be studying in UFV where English is the medium of instruction. As such, one does not have to go through the torture of learning a foreign language in order to communicate with international students. Just humble yourself a little, use simple English along with Google Translate and you are good to go. Of course, if you are humble to the extent of being willing to pick up a foreign language, that would be great.
Tip 3: Stop limiting oneself.
I am sad that we made the author feel un-Canadian because no foreigner in my country ever made me feel less Singaporean. If anything, interaction with foreigners enhances my own identity. Do know that everyone is empowered with a mouth to speak, ears to listen, legs to move about, and technology to aid in communication. Use them actively, and the cultural divide you imagined will not exist. In the meantime, interaction does not happen if you choose to box yourself up in your room when everyone else is in the kitchen engaging in meaningful conversations over sumptuous meals.
I hope the above is more constructive than the rant in the snapshot.
