MULTICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION FEAST ON CULTURE By Anaik Doyle 10 IN THE LOOP
“Tell me what you eat, and I’ll tell you who you are,” JEAN ANTHELME BRILLAT-SAVARIN Most of us now live in quite multicultural communities and understanding culture is an important requirement for our professional practice. At a time when immigration and border protection are huge political and social conversation points, we are perhaps more aware of our differences than ever. The heavy social meanings attached to these differences make it a sensitive topic to broach. Even those of us with a heartfelt commitment to cultural inclusion are not always sure about the right way to ask about cultural differences. Acknowledging and supporting difference is fundamental to inclusive practice. As stated in the Early Years Learning Framework: ‘Educators honour the histories, cultures, languages, traditions, child rearing practices and lifestyle choices of families.’ (1) However there is an Australian tendency to attempt to show people that they are equals by treating them as ’same’. This is a generously intentioned cultural behaviour but unfortunately, ignoring difference can actually make it even harder for us to get talking about it. So how do we open up conversation about culture and difference in a way that we feel comfortable? How do we get people to tell us about their differences in a way that is relaxed, non-judgmental and shows our supportive attitude? Food is an element of our culture but it is also a medium or an access point to it. When we talk to families about their food, we gain an insight into their homes, their worldview and the myriad of cultural practices attached to the preparation and consumption of it. We learn about a family’s rituals and celebrations, religion or faith, health practices and beliefs, roles and concept of family and how they nurture their loved ones. Uncovering culture’s food beliefs may lead us to seemingly quirky insights, but dig a little deeper and they will provide you with important indicators of values, social life and parenting approach. For example (4) : • Indian and Sri Lankan families will often request foods be served warmed (including milk). This is based on Ayurvedic influences and the belief that warm foods are good for the immune system and digestion. • Rice is not only a staple food but is sacred in many cultures (e.g. Japan, Vietnam) and wastage is considered quite shocking! the child’s health. Countries that have a strong culture of breastfeeding beyond infancy include: Vietnam, China, Sri Lanka, Japan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, many Arab and Eastern and Southern African countries (5) . Many Muslims breastfeed for two years as part of their religious practice. • In Japan, babies should never eat alone and typically share family foods, this is for them to experience the pleasure of feeling like part of a family (3) . • In India, eating with your hands is considered to give you a connection to the food that feeds the body, mind and spirit. Food is also a passionate subject for people of many cultural groups. When we think about childhood comforts, the smells and tastes of home cooking are evocative memories. These tastes and smells help to create a welcoming and comfortable environment. It is also frequently how we show hospitality. In this way, the preparation and consumption of food provides a natural opportunity for people to gather and for relationships to start and grow. In our work as early childhood professionals it also provides an easy conversation opener! “Food and language are the cultural habits humans learn first and the ones they change with the greatest reluctance.” DR DONNA GABACCIA (2) Stacie Tannock is the Director of Goodstart Early Learning in Nundah. She has a knack for making cultural inclusion natural and fun. Some of her successful strategies include a strong focus on food. “We have a quite diverse staff; about 30% of our educators speak English as their second (or fourth!) language. Our families are similarly diverse; approximately 40% are from a culturally and linguistically diverse background,” Stacie said. “I know how scary it can be in another country, with different foods, smells and systems of work. One of my priorities is always to establish rapport and make families feel welcome,” she said. “We really rely on Cultural Support Workers (from the Bicultural Support Service) to help us develop an understanding of the families. A few words of greeting in home language can make all the difference in putting someone at ease and showing that we respect and are interested in their culture.” • In Arab culture showing hospitality with food is very important. Leaving food on your plate shows that hospitality has been generous. However in some other cultures leaving food on your plate is considered wasteful, even ungrateful (e.g. Japan, India) • In Judaism and Islam, animal products can only be consumed if the animal has been slaughtered according to religious guidelines. • Breast feeding for two or more years is common in many cultures and considered an important part of mothering and WORKFORCE.ORG.AU 11
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