Royal Sweets

This weekend I drove to Carrollton to visit a restaurant called Royal Sweets.  At this restaurant they serve traditional Indian snacks and desserts.  I was nervous to go because I was alone and did not know what to order or if I would even like the foods.  I was afraid that if I did not like something it would offend the people that work there.  When I was at the restaurant I had some difficulty understanding the workers because of their thick accents.  I was embarrassed that I had to keep asking them to repeat themselves, but they were patient with me.  They were surprised to hear that I was a vegetarian and this opened a door to conversation.  They were very nice and let me sample many dishes before I bought anything.  They were very willing to talk to me, and loved that I had chosen to study their culture.  I liked most of the food, and I choked down anything I did not like so I would not offend them.  I learned that food is a very big part of their culture.  It is present at any and all gatherings, and is even made for everyday house guest.  In Indian it is proper customs to prepare food and sweets for guests to welcome them into your home.

Interview

Personal:

1.    Where did you live? How long did you live there?

Isfahan, Iran 8 almost 9yrs

2.    Why did you move? school

3.    Where do you prefer? When younger she wanted move back, but America better because of problems with government, miss culture and life in Iran, but it’s not safe now

4.    High/low context? Run late a lot; many dishes are prepared when you go to another’s house so it’s considered rude to not be on time, there is a proper way to have guests and guidelines to follow

Society:

1.    How are schooling systems organized? public and free K-5, but boys a girls were separated in her school until high school.  They go to school Sunday to Friday, and Saturday is their day off.  They go from 8-12 one week, then the next week they go 12-4

2. What is the main religious orientation? Muslim:  Iran-Shiite;  Arabian- Sunni

3. What are reasons for families to leave their home countries? Government, killing unsafe, taking away rights, Muslims took over government too many rules and restrictions. If you go to jail they use torture.

4. What is the naming system? (How should people be addressed?) strict rules with elders even if they are a sibling older sits in front of car.  Respect is valued.

5. What are the family dynamics? (What is the family decision making structure? Who should be contacted if needed at home?) Dad is the worker, and mom cooks, the oldest son helps the dad out.  Women can work or stay home, but there are a lot of house wives.

6. Are there strong overall cultural values that might make a difference in Western schools? The language barrier was hard to get past, children must ask permission to do things, and always raise their hand before speaking.  When you go to someone’s house and they offer you food, you say no, they thank you, and then you may say yes.

7. What are the general attitudes toward school and schooling? School is very important.  Children must go to school and parents are very strict about doing well.  Many children are expected to be a doctor or lawyer.   high expectations8. What are some specific language features that might make a difference? Thumb is offensive like middle finger is to us, offended if you don’t eat their food, older person stand up and say hi don’t lay down in front of

10. How are American perceived? People like America and want to come here.  They want to become more Americanized as a society, women do not want to be required to cover themselves.  The government sees us as the bad guy, not the people.

11. What are the gender roles? Same as American men are supposed to be tough and it is not acceptable to show a weak side.  They are offended and intimidated by strong women.  Women are supposed to be very classy and follow social rules and norms.

Persian Culture

I have chosen to study Persian culture because my boss along with three other women I work with are Persian and I know nothing about their culture.  I know that they are all bilingual, and one of them speaks Farsi.  I also know some of them were just fasting for a religious practice.   I look forward to learning more about these women as well as their culture.