Cultural Profile R Esource: Hungarian
Cultural Profile Resource: Hungarian
A resource for aged care professionals
Birgit Heaney Dip. 19/06/2014
A resource for aged care professionals
Table of Contents
Introduction ...... 3 Background ...... 4 Daily Life and Social Customs ...... 5 Family ...... 7 Personal Hygiene ...... 7 Leisure and Recreation ...... 8 Religion ...... 9 Food and Diet ...... 9 Health ...... 10 Death and Dying ...... 10 Language ...... 11 Cue Card ...... 11 Disclaimer ...... 12 References ...... 12
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A resource for aged care professionals Hungarian Culture Profile
Introduction This profile of the Hungarian cultural community is just one of the many projects undertaken by Quality Aging.
This project aims to provide relevant information for community groups and residential aged care providers to implement “best practice” strategies of care for the older individuals from diverse backgrounds.
This project is about ensuring the needs of older persons from a Hungarian cultural background are met.
Population trends within Australia are increasingly characterized by a diversity of people, languages and culture. Together with this trend is an aging population, also with a rich diversity of languages and cultures.
Not surprisingly then, that residential aged care providers are faced with growing demands for culturally responsive facilities and care.
This profile aims to create a tool to provide aged care providers with
An awareness of the cultural and linguistically diverse needs of older persons from a Hungarian background.
It also strives to enable the professional capability and progress of staff in the provision of culturally inclusive care; and
The organisation’s compliance with the Residential Care Standards and National Care Standards as they pertain to the issue of cultural and linguistic needs.
The profile provides beneficial information about a variety of subjects and resources.
This is a guide only and is not intended to replace one stereotype of this culture with another; it is only intended to provide some insight into the culture. Nor does it reduce the importance of you establishing the individual cultural needs of each person as part of your care planning process.
In an effort to continue to provide you with updated information of this profile and improve its contents, we encourage readers to provide feedback by contacting Quality Aging at [email protected]
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A resource for aged care professionals
Background Hungary officially the Republic of Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west.
The capital and largest city is Budapest. Hungary is a member of the European Union, NATO, the OECD, and the Visegrád Group, and is a Schengen state. Following a Celtic (after c. 450 BC) and a Roman (9 AD - c. 430 AD) period, the foundation of Hungary was laid in the late 9th century by the Hungarian ruler à rpad, whose great-grandson Saint Stephen I was crowned with a crown sent from Rome by the pope in 1000 AD. The Kingdom of Hungary lasted for 946 years,and at various points was regarded as one of the cultural centers of the Western world. After about 150 years of partial Ottoman occupation (1541-1699), Hungary was integrated into the Habsburg Monarchy, and later constituted half of the Austro-Hungarian dual monarchy (1867-1918). A great power until the end of World War I, Hungary lost over 70% of its territory, along with one third of its population of Hungarian ethnicity,and all sea ports under the Treaty of Trianon,the terms of which have been considered excessively harsh by many in Hungary.The kingdom was succeeded by a Communist era (1947-1989) during which Hungary gained widespread international attention regarding the Revolution of 1956 and the unilateral move of opening its border with Austria in 1989, thus accelerating the collapse of the Eastern Bloc. The present form of government is a parliamentary republic, which was established in 1989. Today, Hungary is a high-income economy and a regional leader in some regards.
Hungary is one of the thirty most popular tourist destinations of the world, attracting 8.6 million tourists per year (2007).The country is home to the largest thermal water cave system and the second largest thermal lake in the world (Lake Heviz), the largest lake in Central Europe (Lake Balaton), and the largest natural grasslands in Europe.
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Daily Life and Social Customs
Greetings Adults greet each other with a firm handshake. A man usually waits for a woman to extend her hand first. Many Hungarians also puszi, or kiss each other lightly on each cheek.
Polite verbal greetings include Jó napot kívánok (Good day), Jó reggelt kívánok (Good morning), and ó estét kívánok (Good evening). Kívánok is often left off in more casual circumstances or is replaced by a person's name.
Children may greet older adults with Kezét csókolom (I kiss your hand). Adults might also use this with family or close friends to show special respect.
Popular informal greetings include Haló, Szervusz, or Szia, which all mean “Hello.” The latter two terms come from the Latin servus, which once meant “I am here to serve you.” One might follow a greeting with Hogy vagy? (How are you?) or another question.
When parting, Hungarians say Viszontlátásra (See you again) or simply Haló, Viszlát, or Szia..
Gestures Good friends, especially among the younger generation, will put their arms around each other's shoulders when they walk in public.
Talking with one's hands in one's pockets is considered impolite. While blowing one's nose in public is acceptable, repeated sniffling is considered rude.
Shaking one's fist at someone, giving a thumbs-down, or holding a fist with the thumb between the index and middle fingers are all seen as rude or vulgar gestures.
To wish a person happy birthday, some Hungarians will pull the person's earlobe slightly while saying “Happy Birthday.”
Attire
Traditional Hungarian folk costumes are not as common as they once were, but they are still sometimes worn for weddings and festivals. Hungarian folk dress is colourful and richly embroidered. It may feature lace, sashes, boots, or embroidered shoes. Puffed sleeves characterize a woman's garment, while and a vest and long sleeves is worn as a part of male attire
Western-style clothes, especially American jeans, are worn by the bulk of the younger population in both urban and rural areas. New clothes are very expensive and brand names such as Levi-Strauss can be bought only by a small segment of the population. Shiny polyester or nylon leisure suits worn with expensive, name-brand sports shoes are signs of new and successful entrepreneurs.
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Taboos Older generations of Hungarians may take offense to clinking glasses or bottles together when drinking. It stems from an unfortunate event in Hungary’s history. Younger Hungarians do not necessarily adhere to this custom.
Bringing a bottle of imported wine to a dinner party would not be the best option, as Hungarians take pride in their wines as well. Though various types of foreign liquors are an appropriate gesture of gratitude.
The above customs are from a time in which the older generation lived and were raised. They may not be evident in the younger generations, nor do they necessarily apply to every Hungarian-born aged person. It is important YOU check on whether adherence to these, or other customs unique to their region of origin, is to be used with that Hungarian-born person.
Cultural Stereotype Hungarians are hardworking people who have survival personalities. They are great savers, especially in difficult times. They are not fond of credits, not even to mention credit cards. They always prefer to save the money they need and then buy what they need than to acquire any debt with a bank. However, times are changing and slowly Hungarians are becoming big spenders.
The Hungarian culture is diverse and varied, diverging from Budapest to the eastern and western borders of the country. Hungarian people are known to respect women, elders as well as ancestors. Being God fearing people, Hungarians do not fear death, believing it is nature’s destiny.
They do not believe in mysticism or life after death. Hungarians are artistic people, known for wide interest in music, poetry, literature, art, chess, science, and mathematics. They give wide recognition to talent and appreciate talent, humour, knowledge and sensitivity.
Hungarians are very intelligent people who have contributed greatly to the world in many areas such as science, arts, music and technology.
It should be remembered this is just one view and does not apply to every Hungarian-born person. This reality means YOU should establish each Hungarian - born person’s preferences.
Having established this person’s preferences be careful not to replace one cultural stereotype with another related to what should be considered stereo-typically ‘Hungarian’.
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Family
Family Structure
An average Hungarian family consists of three people (father, mother and a child). The father maintains a dominant role in the family.
Both parents usually work. Men share some household responsibilities but traditionally take on the outdoor chores.
Adult children often live with their parents until married. The elderly are usually taken care of by their children.
Attitudes to Residential Care
Traditionally in Hungary the younger generation are expected to take care of elderly parents at home.
However, in Australia, the Hungarian-born population generally accepts placing elderly parents in nursing homes and other aged care facilities.
Personal Hygiene The routines and preferences surrounding the following personal hygiene activities greatly impact on the person’s sense of self, pride, dignity and confidence.
Bathing Some Hungarian-born persons want a shower weekly, whereas others can prefer a shower daily.
Dress Clothing styles in urban areas generally follow those in Western Europe. Conservative suits are worn by businessmen. Traditional costumes are seen only in rural areas and during special celebrations.
Business dress is formal and conservative. Men should wear dark business suits with a white shirt and tie. Women should wear either business suits or elegant dresses, complimented with good quality accessories. Jeans are standard casual wear. Shorts are uncommon in the city. Business wear is appropriate for all formal occasions.
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Leisure and Recreation
Hungarian culture varies depending on where you are - with unique features in the different regions of the Great Plains and in the capital, Budapest.
Many of their traditions are linked with their folk heritage such as their decorative arts and crafts and their music and dance style. Classical music has a strong hold in Hungary, as does Gypsy and Roma music.
They have also many talents in the field of literature and especially poetry.
Urban culture, especially in the capital city, is highly cosmopolitan and encompasses the tradition of coffeehouse culture. Watching television is a popular pastime and Hungarians average nearly four hours of TV viewing per day.
However, YOU need to check with each individual his or her preferences in regard to the above.
Daily Routine
A routine needs to be established with each individual relating to their personal preference.
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Religion Hungary claims no official religion and guarantees religious freedom. More than half the people are Roman Catholic, most of them living in the western and northern parts of the country.
About one-fifth of the population are Calvinist (concentrated in eastern Hungary). Lutherans constitute the next most significant minority faith, and relatively smaller groups belong to various other Christian denominations (Greek or Byzantine Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Unitarians).
The Jewish community, which constituted 5 percent of the population before World War II, was decimated by the Holocaust and is now much smaller.
During the communist era, from 1949, Hungary was officially an atheistic state. The Roman Catholic Church struggled with the communist government after it enacted laws diminishing church property and schools. As a result of resistance to these changes, the church was granted broader rights via a 1964 agreement with the Vatican, and in 1972 the Hungarian constitution proclaimed the free exercise of worship and the separation of church and state.
Since the fall of communism in 1990, more than 200 religious groups have been officially registered in the country. Nominal membership in a religious denomination, however, does not necessarily mean active participation or even active spiritual belief.
Equally, just because a person when young did not practice or observe their religion doesn’t mean as the person ages he/she might now wish to practice.
You need to establish each person’s religious preference and link them into a local minister of that religion.
Important cultural and religious days can be found in the Multi-Cultural Events Calendar
Food and Diet
Hungarian cuisine combines influences from the east and west. Many of the country's traditional dishes are heavy, with pork fat and paprika being essential ingredients.
Paprika lends many Hungarian dishes a very distinctive flavour and fiery colour. It is normal for sweet paprika to be used to prepare dishes and hot paprika to be offered on the side.
However, modern cooking methods are now imparting a lighter and healthier feel to traditional favourites; pork fat is now often replaced with vegetable oil.
The cooking tends to be simple, making use of locally grown vegetables and reared meat.
As well as pork lard and Hungarian paprika, other key ingredients in the country's cuisine include onions, garlic, cottage cheese, poppy seeds and walnuts. Sour cream is another common ingredient regularly added to soups, stews, pasta dishes and desserts.
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Health
Attitudes to issues with Aging Traditionally in Hungary the younger generation are expected to take care of elderly parents at home.
However, in Australia, the Hungarian-born population generally accepts placing elderly parents in nursing homes and other aged care facilities.
Attitudes to Illness and Pain
Hungarian-born people tend to openly discuss their physical ailments and health conditions.
For some elderly Hungarian people there is a fear of admitting their illness and pain in case the doctor suggests residential care or support.
For many families it is preferable to share a serious diagnosis such as a terminal illness with loved ones, as opposed to the loved ones being told by a doctor.
Perceptions of Health Professionals
Traditionally, doctors and general practitioners are well respected and given great authority.
Many rely on their doctors for information, assistance and referrals. Most Hungarians will follow the advice of doctors and comply with medical treatments. Some problems can occur with elderly Hungarian people over medicating or not complying with long term use of their medications.
This may mean YOU shouldn’t perceive a Hungarian person who questions a doctor or health professional as being difficult. Nor should you consider the person as ‘being difficult’ should he/she want a second opinion or to access complementary medicines of some type.
Death and Dying
Hungarian people believe it is important for relatives to be with a person who is dying.
Hungarian Catholics believe it is important to have a Priest present when a person is dying.
For some families it may be preferred that a Hungarian priest visit in the days leading to death and give comfort to the patient. The last rites are often conducted by a priest just before a patient is expected to die, or soon after death.
In some cases the immediate family may be present to witness this ritual. The family may dress the patient after death before the body is moved to the funeral home.
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Language From its inception in the 10th century, Hungary was a multiethnic country. Major territorial changes made it ethnically homogeneous after World War I, however, and more than nine-tenths of the population is now ethnically Hungarian and speaks Hungarian (Magyar) as the mother tongue.
The Hungarian language is classified as a member of the Ugric branch of the Uralic languages; as such, it is most closely related to the Ob-Ugric languages, Khanty and Mansi, which are spoken east of the Ural Mountains.
It is also related, though more distantly, to Finnish and Estonian, each of which is (like Hungarian) a national language; to the Sami languages of far northern Scandinavia; and, more distantly still, to the Samoyedic languages of Siberia. Ethnic Hungarians are a mix of the Finno-Ugric Magyars and various assimilated Turkic, Slavic, and Germanic peoples.
A small percentage of the population is made up of ethnic minority groups. The largest of these is the Roma (Gypsies). Other ethnic minorities include Germans, Slovaks, Croats, Romanians, Serbs, Poles, Slovenians, Rusyns, Greeks, and Armenians.
YOU need to be aware that just because they could once speak English, does not mean a) They necessarily spoke it fluently or extensively OR b) They have retained these skills as he/she aged OR c) That it is their preferred language.
Speaking English can be tiring to the elderly – as they are engaging in a translation-type of process. Many elderly people revert back to their native language as they aged.
Cue Cards Quality Aging has cue cards that you may find useful and assist you in communicating with a person that speaks a language other than English.
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Disclaimer The information herein is a synthesis of information from a range of sources believed to be reliable. Quality Aging gives no warranty that the said base sources are correct, and accepts no responsibility for any resultant errors contained herein or for decisions and actions taken as a result and any damage from these decisions or actions.
References
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/hungary-country-profile.html
http://www.miceastmelb.com.au/documents/mep/h&pcarekit.pdf
http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Hungary.html
http://goeasteurope.about.com/od/hungary/ss/Hungarian-Folk-Costumes.htm
http://www.budapest-discovery-guide.com/hungarian-culture.html
http://marss.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Cultural-Dictionary-and-Directory.pdf
http://hungary.angloinfo.com/lifestyle/food-and-drink/
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/276730/Hungary#toc34836
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