Assimilation

In this episode of Exodus: Cultures and Heritage, the concept of assimilation, the first stage of acculturation, is examined. Insights are drawn from written interviews featured in my thesis project, providing a comprehensive yet precise analysis of these interviews and their findings.

The challenges and small victories of adapting to a new culture, forming connections, and mastering the local language are discussed. The difficulties of returning to a familiar place that now feels different are also explored.

Listeners will gain an understanding of these experiences and receive a preview of the next episode, which will delve into the stage of separation

Special thanks are given to MaroMaro for granting permission to use his music in our podcast.

Instagram Handle: maromaro.mp3

Also, Don’t forget to check out his YouTube channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/@maromaro1337

Transcript

Hey there, welcome back to Exodus: Cultures and Heritage,  the podcast where we take a deep dive into the wild and sometimes wacky world of adapting to new cultures. I’m Amir, your guide through this journey. And if I sound a bit chill today, well, that’s because I’m trying to keep it real with you. 

This whole cultural adaptation thing? It’s a bit like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube in the dark—it’s tricky, it’s confusing, and you’re never quite sure if you’re doing it right.

Today, instead of going interview by interview, I thought we’d take a step back and look at the bigger picture. We’re talking about the first stage of acculturation: assimilation. It’s that part where you try to fit in, sometimes feeling like you’re wearing someone else’s shoes—just a tad too tight, and definitely not your style.

So, let’s talk about connection. This was a huge theme across all the stories we heard. You know, making friends, learning the local lingo, figuring out how to not look totally lost when someone talks to you in Polish. Our guests all agreed—connections are the secret sauce. Whether it’s learning how to say “hello” or finding that one coffee shop where they finally remember your order, these little things help you feel like maybe, just maybe, you belong.

And let’s be honest—making connections in a new place can feel like speed dating with the entire population. Awkward at first, but once you find your groove, it starts to feel a lot less like you’re stumbling around in the dark.

But, of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Assimilation has its fair share of bumps in the road. Several of our guests talked about feeling like a stranger, even in places they once called home. One guest shared how coming back to Poland after years abroad was like opening a time capsule only to realize everyone else has moved on without you. Even with fluent Polish, they felt like a tourist in their own country. It’s a bit like going back to your hometown and finding out your favorite pizza place is now a vegan café—familiar, but not quite the same.

It’s a reminder that assimilation isn’t just about learning new things—it’s also about adjusting to changes in what you thought you already knew. And sometimes, that’s the hardest part.

Now, if there’s one thing that really stood out in these stories, it’s resilience. I know, I know—resilience is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot, but in this context, it’s the real deal. Whether it’s struggling through language barriers or navigating cultural differences, our guests showed that a little grit goes a long way.

One guest talked about how learning Polish wasn’t just about getting by—it was about making a new place feel like home. Another shared how, despite feeling like a fish out of water, they found a way to balance their old life with their new one. It’s like trying to juggle while riding a unicycle—it looks impossible, but with enough practice, you somehow make it work.

Something else that kept popping up was the importance of community. Let’s face it—assimilation isn’t a solo mission. Having a support system makes all the difference, especially when you’re navigating unfamiliar territory. Whether it’s friends, family, or that group of expats who totally get what you’re going through, having people around you who understand makes the journey a little less daunting.

Our guests shared how connecting with others in similar situations helped them cope with the ups and downs of assimilation. It’s like having a cheat sheet for a pop quiz—you might still be nervous, but at least you know you’re not going in unprepared.

So, what can we learn from all this? Assimilation is a personal journey—no two stories are the same, but there are some common threads. It’s not just about picking up new habits or learning a new language. It’s about finding your place in a new world while holding onto the pieces of yourself that make you, well, you. It’s a journey filled with awkward moments, small victories, and plenty of opportunities for growth.

As we wrap up today’s episode, just remember: assimilation isn’t about losing yourself. It’s about discovering new ways to connect, grow, and thrive in a different cultural world. The road might be bumpy, but as our guests have shown, it’s also full of possibilities.

I’m glad you joined me today as we unpacked the first stage of acculturation. Next episode, we’re going to explore the second stage—separation. We’ll dig into what it looks like when people choose to maintain their original culture and push back against the new one. It’s an entirely different experience from assimilation, and I’m eager to share those perspectives with you.

Until next time, I’m Amir, and you’ve been listening to Exodus: Cultures and Heritage. Keep questioning, keep learning, and never stop discovering the world around you.