Lost in Translation

My journey

Moving to another place very different from our own place is really difficult and it carries with it some consequences. Furthermore, those consequences are bigger when we talk about moving from one country to another one. It means that we have to adapt to a new culture, living conditions, and lifestyle. Sometimes it involves losing our identity which is not easy to deal with, but it is not impossible. For instance, as the Austrian philosopher Karl popper said, “As a human beings we are animals of customs.” Those are the customs that make our new identity in a foreign country. This experience of transformation is individual and for each one there are specific facts that are difficult to embrace, since my arrival in the U.S., some of the difficult facts have been family, friendship, culture and communication.

At moments of difficulty and sorrow, the family is the only truly support. My family’s presence is the first loss that I had to face up to. During the period of being far away from my family, it has been a really difficult time for me because in the Colombian culture, the family group has priority and importance. As a result, we are really close to each other, and in my case my parents are my best friends that I have ever had. I can share with them all my problems and questions and I can express all my feelings with them. In the same way with my sisters and brother our relationship is very close and we are best friends. Nowadays I feel that I could share more with them because I have always given big value to my friends, and I love to make new friends.

For that reason friendship is the second loss after my family that I have had to deal with. Because of my charisma, I love sharing good times with nice people. In addition, I care a lot about my friends. I knew when I decided came to the United States, I would have to be far away from them. It was really painful because my friends were a big support in my life besides my family. Something really important for me as a Colombian is meeting people in any place and making new friends wherever I go. Any place is a good place to make friends, in my case it was in high school. When I met wonderful friends, and I keep great moments that I had with them. The loyalty and the cooperation of our friendship are very big that even the distance we keep in touch. Another good example of our charisma is when we take the Metro. Most Colombians do not care how is next to us, the important thing is establish a good conversation during the trip. Here in Chicago, unfortunately it is not easy to talk to people because some of the people are afraid of strangers.

The big bridge of the communication is another factor that makes me feel loss in the transition in America. Colombians are really open and kind. It is inherited in our blood. We are really Querendones or lovely people. The physical contact whit the others is really important. For example, expression as hugs, kisses and nice words make us romantic people. On the other hand, American culture is really cold and the interaction with other people is in the same way very cold. In Colombia we put really passion when we talk. In contrast, some of the Americans do not put that passion and feelings.

Moving from one culture to another very different from our own could be traumatic and difficult to face, but it is something that all people who have moved suffer. The important fact is having the courage to retain their own traditions and customs because in another way a person could endure a change in his or her identity. It is a hard process in which all people who have lived the experience have suffered it in different ways because it is a personal and individual situation. There are a lot of facts that could be difficult to accept, but for each one of us, those facts are singular. In my case for example my family, friends and the communication are the loss that have influenced my process of adaptation in this new adventure in the United States.