Leah Week 7 - South Africa vs the USA

Whenever I meet someone in America, the first thing that they notice about me is my accent. Often the question that follows after I tell them where I’m from is, “how is South Africa different from America?”


Americans seem to think that South Africa is not just another country, but rather a far off planet. I’ve heard people say, “did you ride an animal to school?” and so many more crazy assumptions like this one. At this point, I just laugh it off. South Africa is actually more similar to America than Americans realize. 


For example, no, I did not live in a safari with lions and ride animals to school. I actually went to a Jewish day school similar to Donna Klein, just a lot bigger. I also had a wonderful friend group, just like Americans do, who I used to hang out with on Saturday nights. I try my best to keep in contact with them. 


So basically, as you can probably tell, the lifestyle is pretty similar. But don’t get me wrong, there definitely are some major differences and it was 100% a culture shock coming to America. One of the really noticeable changes for me was the realization that I had to change some of the words I use. For example, I no longer use words like “nappy, tomato sauce, and jersey”, these words are now replaced with “diaper, ketchup, and sweater/ sweatshirt.”


There are also many other differences, like how they drive on the other side of the road in America, the grading system in school, and the seasons and school year. These are just a few of the things I had to adjust to. 


People often ask me which one I prefer, South Africa or the USA. My answer to this question is that they both hold a special place in my heart. America and Florida have become my home now and I really love Boca, but of course I miss my friends and extended family in South Africa. I also never want to forget where I come from and who I really am. 


Did any of these similarities and differences surprise you, or did you already know them?  



 

Comments

  1. Mrs. HNov 1, 2021, 2:21:00 PM

    I really love your last paragraph - I'm glad that you are able to keep both as home in your heart. I am shocked that you didn't ride lions to school, though (no, not really)

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousNov 2, 2021, 9:22:00 PM

    This was very interesting to read, as my parents are also immigrants from South Africa. They often talk about the same differences and similarities as you did. It’s cool to see how they change over time with new generations.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousNov 3, 2021, 11:58:00 AM

    I had no idea that you called ketchup tomato sauce. That just sounds weird for me. I don't think that I would ever be able to stop calling it ketchup if I moved somewhere else. You must've experienced a pretty big culture shock.

    ReplyDelete

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