Last July, I was in Cambodia for a two-weeks long humanitarian trip along with 20 others. I’ve always had this fear that people of the third world countries resent those who are from the developed countries like us. Before I left, this fear of xenophobia in the locals intensified.
Surprisingly, the moment we stepped into the slum, I was overwhelmed by how these kids were (literally) all over us. They hugged and tugged me by the hand and dragged us to play games with them. I was perplexed. How could we play games without understanding how to play it? After a while, I noticed most games were similar to what we Singaporeans play. This includes five stones (only they use real stones!), ‘mother hen’ and ‘Vampire’ (only it’s in Khmer and has nothing to do with vampires). Almost all the residents smiled and greeted us with what little English they know. I felt welcomed and relieved.
However, there was one girl, Kimlan, who refused to participate in our activities. She even took some of her friends away from us just to play with her. I got worried. I attempted to invite her hoping she would change her mind, but she rolled her eyes and ignored me. Eventually Kimlan was left all alone when her friends began to join us and that was when she gave in. Kimlan is actually a pleasant child but can be an attention-seeker at times. By the end of our stay, she is one of my favourite kids there.
Surprisingly, the moment we stepped into the slum, I was overwhelmed by how these kids were (literally) all over us. They hugged and tugged me by the hand and dragged us to play games with them. I was perplexed. How could we play games without understanding how to play it? After a while, I noticed most games were similar to what we Singaporeans play. This includes five stones (only they use real stones!), ‘mother hen’ and ‘Vampire’ (only it’s in Khmer and has nothing to do with vampires). Almost all the residents smiled and greeted us with what little English they know. I felt welcomed and relieved.
However, there was one girl, Kimlan, who refused to participate in our activities. She even took some of her friends away from us just to play with her. I got worried. I attempted to invite her hoping she would change her mind, but she rolled her eyes and ignored me. Eventually Kimlan was left all alone when her friends began to join us and that was when she gave in. Kimlan is actually a pleasant child but can be an attention-seeker at times. By the end of our stay, she is one of my favourite kids there.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI went to Cambodia some time back too and I understand how you feel when you are going as well as at there. Its never been easy to communicate especially when they don't really understand more profound english. But the villagers there are nice people, very welcoming and treats people wholeheartedly.
I believed that the girl was kind of shy type that why she needs more time to fix around with you?? =)
Indeed she was shy especially of the guys. But everything went well and every single Cambodians that I've met were friendly and receptive of our presence. No culture shocks whatsoever. =)
ReplyDeleteHi Siti,
ReplyDeleteI went Cambodia for my YEP trip back in year 1 as well. The experience was invaluable and I gradually learn to not take things for granted.
Indeed, the villagers were extremely friendly and even offered to house us, despite barely knowing who we were. I was really touched by their actions and couldn't bear to part on my last day of the trip.
Perhaps, Kimlan is an introvert and needs more time to open up, especially to new faces like you. I was really glad that you did not give up on her and continue to attempt to get her to participate in the activities that were organised. May the world goes round with the love that we impart. =)
Regards,
May Chen, Crystal.
Hi Siti,
ReplyDeleteMost people feel nervous when they are in a different culture as they do not know the rules (spoken and unspoken) of that culture. It is just like the first day at work in a new company where you do not know the norms of the company. This feeling of nervousness may intensify when we are in an alien culture where there are few commonalties between your base culture and the alien culture. To reduce the anxiety and better prepare yourself, research on the culture that you will be encountering can be done. However, the list of cultural norms in the Internet may not be exhaustive and completely accurate. There will most likely still be incidents that can give you a cultural shock. As Singapore is a small country and we are always “outward” looking, it is almost inevitable that we will face these difficulties one day in our working lives.
Chin Min