Monday, April 13, 2015

Posting in English or Indonesian ?

I have been asking myself, to post in English or Indonesian, and so far - I think I will keep posting in Indonesian.  One of the reasons to do so, because English is not my mother tongue - and I believe I need to practice it on daily basis (be it in writing, reading, speaking, etc), instead of stay in my comfort zone and speak Indonesian.

One of the problems for Indonesian (or any nationality - International students) when studying abroad, is that they are having difficult time to adapt to the language in their destination country, despite all of the language learning and language proficiency test that they have taken in their country of origin.  First thing that they do when arrive and settle in, is looking for a fellow country man (woman) and speak in their native language.

I understand that it's very difficult to stay away from your family, friends, etc - come to a foreign country and have to adapt to many things (food, culture, language, etc).  But when you have decide to study (or live) abroad, it's the decision that you have already made, and learn how to live with.  Same thing for "bule" or foreigner that come to Indonesia - they too have to adapt.  Imagine this from their shoe / their perspective :

Indonesia = a foreign country where the food is spicy, the weather outside is normally 30-34 C, rains every now and then, humid, most people speak Indonesian (some younger generations do speak English though), poor public transportation, pollution everywhere, people will look at you differently and keep pointing at you when you walk on the curb, although some locals will treat you like celebrity or alien by asking you to take photo with them, etc.

They are no different than us - and we all just need to adapt. And remember, do not ask "them" to adapt to you, but you must adapt to "them".  Because we are stranger and the guest, they are the "host".  If you go to a moslem country, watch your dress and appearance, do not dress too "open".  If you go to western country - and you are a strict moslem - please ask them whether the food is halal or not, do not assume.

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