1.2 Aspects of Family Values & Life

How does culture, tradition, and self-perception affect one's identity?

(Comment la culture, la tradition, et la perception de soi affectent-elles l'identité d'une personne?)

L'aliénation et l'assimilation

Alienation and Assimilation

Immigration has become a stepping stone for all modern societies, one which promotes cultural integration and development of tradition. Between Francophone and non-Francophone societies, there are many differences in the abilities and attitudes towards immigration, assimilation, and their outcomes. In recent history, global developments and advancements in modern society have altered certain views and opinions regarding assimilation into new cultures.

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Immigration, Acclimation, and Multiculturalism

Attitudes regarding immigration and one's ability to immerse themselves in a country's culture vary across Francophone countries as well as other non-French-speaking nations. Attitude in the USA towards immigrants, for example, is often more accepting, while the French have a more negative outlook. Trends in Francophone countries tend to point to the French desiring immigrants who are willing to integrate, appreciating and understanding French culture. This French desire for a united culture stems from the refugee crisis (la crise des refugies), in which the French desire homogeny and harmony to prevent terrorism. In the United States, it is commonplace to see multiculturalism (la pluriculturalisme), a mix of native and secondary culture or tradition.

Beliefs and Values

• While Francophone countries are incredibly diverse and wide-ranging, some common beliefs among French-speaking nations are:- Catholicism: Many Francophone countries have a significant Catholic population, and the Catholic Church has played an important role in the cultural and political life of these countries.- Laïcité: Laïcité is the French concept of separation of church and state, and it is an important principle in many Francophone countries. This means that the state is secular and does not favor any particular religion, and that religious beliefs are a personal matter that should not interfere with public life.- Multiculturalism: Many Francophone countries are home to people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, and there is often a strong emphasis on cultural diversity and tolerance. While the French have a somewhat negative outlook on certain aspects of this, they are not bad in comparison to other large European nations. Very often, the Francophone nations discussed have more than one official language, again placing great value on cultural intermixing and effects that this may have on both native and nonnative populations.It is important to note that these are generalizations and that there is a great deal of diversity within and among Francophone countries. Beliefs and practices can vary significantly from one region to another and from one individual to another.
• France has a policy of assimilation, which means that immigrants are expected to integrate into French society and adopt French cultural norms and values. At the same time, the government also recognizes and respects the cultural differences of immigrant communities and encourages the preservation of their cultural traditions.
• France is home to a number of cultural and ethnic communities, including people of African, Asian, and North African descent (les Maghrebins). There are also significant communities of people of Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese descent, as well as many other ethnicities.

As we've said before, Francophone countries are DIVERSE...

However, some values that are important to many adjacent cultures include:

• Personal responsibility: Many Francophone cultures place a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and the importance of taking charge of one's own life.
• Respect for authority: A lot of French speakers value respect for authority and the rule of law, and this is often reflected in their social and political systems.
• Family and community: Family and community are often highly valued, and many people place a strong emphasis on maintaining close relationships with their loved ones.
• Hard work and determination: These cultures value hard work and determination as important qualities that lead to success in life.

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Strive for Five Vocab 🔑

• s'assimiler - to blend in
• un système de croyances - a belief system
• un choc culturel - a culture shock
• un rite de passage - a rite of passage
• individualiste vs. collectif - individualism vs. collectivism
• le dépaysement - displacement
• Refugee: réfugié(e)
• Asylum seeker: demandeur d'asil
• Quelques verbes importants:
• • s'entraider (to help each other)- appartenir (to belong)
• • évoluer (to evolve)- comporter (to include)- empêcher (to prevent)