The Cultural Dictionary and Directory Of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds A resource to increase cultural understanding for service providers and encourage liaison between communities and key multicultural providers in the ACT A project of the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services of the ACT Inc. With the support of the ACT Office of Multicultural, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs (Community Service Directory – ACT Government) Original publication by Sara Khalidi 1997 Revised and Edited by Fiona McIlroy 2003 Revised and Edited by Hannah Neumayer 2012 Cultural Dictionary & Directory 2012 - Project of the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services of the ACT Inc. 1 PREFACE TO THE CULTURAL DICTIONARY The wealth of cultural diversity in Australia is arguably one of its major assets. Acknowledgement of difference and acceptance of each person’s unique qualities, as well as their particular blend of cultural influences can assist people to grow in cultural richness and social strength. However more often than not, perceptions and attitudes are based on the limited understandings we currently hold, and we are all prone to prejudice. The key to cultural understanding lies in an open mind. Given the rise in expressions of racist attitudes in recent times, it is more important than ever to remember that general statements about cultural backgrounds can lead to stereotyping. Stereotyping often undervalues individuals and cultures, and can be based on mistaken assumptions. It must be noted that the brief and general descriptions of a culture or country, such as the snapshots in this Cultural Dictionary, should never be applied in a blanket way to any individual or group. Such descriptions given can never account for the diversity of individuals and groups within any culture or country. Factors such as age, education, socio-economic class, religion, gender and personal experience shaping the individual cultural identity has a bearing upon a person’s values and behaviour. Because of this, the Dictionary can only be the first step towards understanding. When in doubt, ask the person for their point of view, needs and preferences. While we each receive basic cultural conditioning from the environment we grew up in, every culture, ethnic group and country is continually undergoing change and within each one there are many variants. It is therefore advisable to learn about each culture from as many individuals as possible to gain a more balanced concept of their needs and strengths. Conversations, listening and the building of trusting relationships with people from diverse and linguistic backgrounds are the next important steps toward developing further knowledge and sensitivity. We cannot know all there is to know about another person’s culture, but we can extend them respect and interest. Hopefully, the information collected in the Cultural Dictionary will stimulate your interest, and encourage you to think further than bound borders of countries. Cultural Dictionary & Directory 2012 - Project of the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services of the ACT Inc. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION……………………………….……………………………………...…………………………………………..……..………….……………………6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS……………………………………………………..…….……………………………….………………………………………………..9 REFERENCES………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………….10 PART 1………………………….……………………………………………………………………….………THE CULTURAL DICTIONARY AFGHANISTAN………………………………………………………………………..……….……….……………………………………………………..………….12 ALBANIA..............................................................................................................................................................................14 ALGERIA..............................................................................................................................................................................16 ARGENTINA........................................................................................................................................................................18 AUSTRIA..............................................................................................................................................................................22 AZERBAIJAN……………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………….24 BANGLADESH....................................................................................................................................................................26 BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………….29 BOTSWANA……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………31 BRAZIL..................................................................................................................................................................................33 BULGARIA...........................................................................................................................................................................36 BURMA (MYANMAR)......................................................................................................................................................39 CAMBODIA.........................................................................................................................................................................41 CHILE....................................................................................................................................................................................44 CHINA..................................................................................................................................................................................46 COLOMBIA.........................................................................................................................................................................49 CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF.........................................................................................................................52 CROATIA.............................................................................................................................................................................54 CYPRUS................................................................................................................................................................................56 CZECH REPUBLIC..............................................................................................................................................................58 EAST TIMOR (TIMOR-LESTE)........................................................................................................................................60 EGYPT………………….……………………….…………….……………………………………………………….………………………………………………………..63 EL SALVADOR....................................................................................................................................................................66 ERITREA..............................................................................................................................................................................68 ETHIOPIA............................................................................................................................................................................70 FIJI.........................................................................................................................................................................................72 FINLAND………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….……………………………75 FRANCE...............................................................................................................................................................................77 GERMANY...........................................................................................................................................................................79 GHANA................................................................................................................................................................................81 GREECE................................................................................................................................................................................84 GUATEMALA……….…...…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………86 HONG KONG.....................................................................................................................................................................88 HUNGARY...........................................................................................................................................................................90 INDIA....................................................................................................................................................................................92 INDONESIA.........................................................................................................................................................................95 IRAN.....................................................................................................................................................................................98 IRAQ...................................................................................................................................................................................101