6,618 Miles Away from Home: Culture Shock as a Nigerian in Canada.
Welcome to Canada! Great to have you here!
One of the most difficult aspects of transitioning to life in a new place is overcoming culture shock. This phenomena is a mix of emotions that people experience when they relocate to a new area, particularly in terms of cultural differences.
Culture shock is the feeling of being disoriented while entering a new and unfamiliar culture.
As an Immigrant, you are likely making constant adjustments to quite a lot of things like the climate, campus or work life, time zones, food, language, and social rules.
Food is an often-overlooked part of culture shock.
Food is a fundamental part of any culture, and it is often the first thing affected when one relocates to a new country. In a new country, the food customs can be a source of excitement and fascination or a source of anxiety and confusion.
When people move to a new country, they often feel homesick and miss the familiar tastes and flavors of food in their home country.
Food can provide a sense of comfort, a taste of home, and a way to connect with culture.
You, as an example, a Nigerian living in Canada may crave hot Àmàlà from Àmàlà skye or a traditional Nigerian jollof as lunch, and seek out Nigerian groceries or restaurants to satisfy this craving.
Now, to satisfy your cravings, there are a few challenges- getting Nigerian food here is overly expensive! Your trip to the African store may cost over $80 and you will barely make away with a substantial number of items.
At this juncture, you might want to consider a family summit to negotiate with your taste buds. Lol.
Also, Canadian cuisine is diverse and influenced by many cultures, but you may find some of the traditional dishes unfamiliar or bland.
They definitely never told you this, well, I am😆.
You may also miss the spicy and flavorful dishes you are used to back home.
There are different food customs, ingredients, and preparation methods that can be overwhelming and challenging to navigate.
A Nigerian may struggle to eat Poutine after a long day when Èbà with obstacle filled okro soup could have been the best option at this point.
However, there are Tips for Trying New Foods and I'd share with you;
Embracing new foods can be intimidating, especially when you are unfamiliar with the cuisine or ingredients. However, it exposes you to different cultures, and enhances your culinary knowledge. Approaching new foods with an open mind and willingness to learn is crucial.
One way to do this is by learning about the cuisine's history and cultural significance. Understanding the origin of a dish can give you a better appreciation for its flavors and features.
Another tip is to start with small portions.
Food can be a source of excitement and discovery when moving to a new country, allowing for exploration of culture and connection with locals. Starting with a small portion can help build tolerance for new flavors.
Additionally, ask staff at restaurants or markets for recommendations on popular or unique dishes. For first-timers, go with someone familiar with the cuisine to guide you through the menu and offer insights.
Maintaining an open mind and avoiding preconceived notions can enhance your food experience.
By embracing new foods, starting with small portions, asking for recommendations, and maintaining an open mind, you can discover a variety of favorite meals.
To minimize misunderstandings, any dietary restrictions or allergies should be communicated properly.
Transportation also plays a vital role in the lives of Canadians and the Canadian economy. It connects people to jobs, provides products to consumers, connects regions and communities to one another and to International markets, and maintains and attracts global value chains that serve as the foundation of domestic and international trade.
The transportation sector has a direct impact on the safety, security, economic and social well-being of Canadians and their communities.
Moving from the bustling streets of Nigeria to the wide-open spaces and structured systems of Canada means adapting to a whole new way of getting around.
Understanding the transportation alternatives here can make a major impact in your day-to-day experience. Here are some aspects of transportation in Canada that might feel quite different and cause some initial culture shock:
- Emptier Streets and Sidewalks:
Compared to the lively, crowded streets of Nigeria, you might be surprised by how much quieter many Canadian streets feel, especially outside of major cities. This reflects different population densities and a greater emphasis on personal space in Canadian culture.
- Vast Distances:
The sheer size of Canada can be overwhelming. If you're used to destinations being within a short walk or taxi ride in Nigeria, the distances between cities or attractions might seem vast at first. Planning journeys carefully and researching travel times will be key.
- Structured Public Transit:
Nigerian transportation systems often run on flexible schedules and routes that give the confidence that you'd definitely get a means of transportation at any time you decide to step out. In contrast, Canadian buses, subways, and trains adhere to strict timetables and stops. Be prepared to rely on schedules and route maps rather than spontaneous movement and negotiating with drivers directly.
- The Importance of Ticketing:
While some forms of transport in Nigeria might operate with a pay-as-you-go approach, most Canadian systems require pre-purchased tickets or passes. Be sure to research ticketing options for your area and keep your passes handy to avoid being shocked.
- Winter Weather Challenges:
You're possibly used to driving freely in Nigeria, but brace yourself for a change when Canadian winter arrives. Navigating snow and ice takes some adjusting. Expect slower travel times on roads and sidewalks, and prioritize investing in warm clothes and proper footwear.
Sharing the culture shock you'd possibly experience as regards the transportation system is not enough without giving you tips to help you settle in time.
Below are Helpful Tips:
- Do your research:
Before heading out, use online resources and apps to map routes, check schedules, and purchase tickets for public transit.
- Ask for help:
Canadians are generally friendly and willing to help. Don't hesitate to ask for directions or assistance with the ticketing system. You don't have to be skeptical based on the usual snubs you have experienced or the extortion from transport officials if you asked back in Nigeria, it's not the same here.
- Observe and adapt:
The best way to learn is by watching how locals navigate the system. Observe and adapt your approach to fit in and avoid confusion.
Remember, these differences are part of the exciting adaptation process! Stay curious, be patient, and give yourself time to get comfortable with Canada's food and transportation systems.
Had fun reading this?
Share with your friend(s) and family who recently moved to Canada. Feel free to also share your experience with us in the comment section.
