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A Trip through Brazilian Culture with Becky Feng

Time:May 6, 2009 Author: Editor: Source: Photo:

April 21-Becky Feng, a GDUFS freshman studying in the Faculty of English Language and Culture, went on a student exchange to Brazil three years ago. In a recent interview, Becky shared with us her experiences and observations about living in Brazil, saying that life there was an emotional roller coaster for her.

Wearing short hair, Becky is a pleasant girl with a cheerful smile. Recalling her ten-month visit in Brazil, she first mentioned her impression of the country, "Upon my arrival, the friendly people took me as an acquaintance with warm hospitality, which right away made me feel at home." However as a reserved Chinese, in contrast to the demonstrative Brazilian, Becky sometimes felt incompatible with casual Brazilian etiquette, such as hugging and kissing in public. "From a Chinese perspective, the Brazilians are just overly passionate," she said with a smile.

Becky with other exchange students before leaving for Brazil

This passion is displayed in the Brazilian exuberance for life. People conduct their lives according to a relaxed rhythm, often enjoying dance and music at parties and discos. Becky also described the world-famous Carnival, the largest street party on earth. "Held every summer, it lasts for three or four days with parades and samba dance in the city centre. In less prominent cities like the one where I lived, Carnival simply means a three-day party for all residents. Everyone indulges themselves in the spirit of revelry and merriment," Becky related.

Becky said that on the one hand, racial discrimination is rarely seen in Brazil, which is a country of immigrants. On the other hand, Brazilian people have a deep sense of independence and generally lack a strong national consciousness. "Thus it's difficult for me to explain why unity means a great deal to a country that takes Taiwanese independence for granted," she remarked.

"People there stick to their way despite any deterring gossip. Because they are used to life in a melting pot of various ethnicities, they are considerate of others, respecting the lives of others." She added, "For example, people there sometimes tell white lies in order to avoid hurting others."

Becky's friends celebrating her birthday

Becky revealed that the locals?inherent disposition toward kindness was what she appreciated the most. To illustrate this, she shared one of her own stories. She once received a noticeable cut from a dog bite on her mouth and was thus reluctant to go out in public. However, after venturing out she faced no derision or looks of surprise, and she found that her worries had been unnecessary. On the public bus, a little girl came over and asked her with concern, "Are you hurt, sister? How did you get the scar?" After Becky told her about the dog bite, the moppet said angrily "Oh, it must have been a very bad dog that bit you!" Becky summed up her experience emotionally saying, "Living the life of an ex-pat, I was overwhelmingly warmed by the kindness of the innocent girl. It's the Brazilian who erased my embarrassment and taught me to be a nicer person."

Becky with her friends

"In addition, Brazilians are civic-minded citizens, seldom littering the tidy streets, which is a habit worth learning from."

Becky encountered many unpredictable problems, but learned to face them alone in a foreign environment. We can benefit from her experience of independently coping with hassles and enduring not being understood, while staying calm and positive throughout.

Becky initially agreed with the traditional view that being adopted means you are dependent on someone for a living and should therefore be humble. Though she stayed with a hospitable family, she sometimes disagreed with her host father on political issues. She often experienced a culture gap in which there was little shared ground. In addition, even after living in Brazil for a few months, she still had trouble speaking Portuguese, and her family wasn't quite satisfied with that. All this inevitably added great stress upon her.

When she cried over the pressures she bore, the family realized Becky needed support and compassion. We hope that by revealing her hardships our readers can appreciate the difficulties of cultural differences. In this way we grow more tolerate of others' opinions, values, and cultures, although different from our own. Becky told us that she had learned to be more considerate of others after this unforgettable experience.

Becky also talked about her school life during the ten-month project. Most Brazilians' casual attitude towards middle school education might be related to their frank and passionate temperament. They allow themselves and others to do whatever they want to do, so long as they don't offend the rights of others. Becky told us: "There were Blacks, Europeans, Asians and the indigenous Americans, and they got on well with each other."

Becky related many vivid anecdotes from Brazil, which brought about both laughter and reflection on life. She plans to visit again Brazil in the near future. One of the lasting influences on her from this project is her love of Latin rock music.

We wish she will have a wonderful college life, and will follow her interests and realize her dreams.

Photos provided by Becky Feng

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A Trip through Brazilian Culture with Becky Feng