Perpetual Change

"The more things stay the same, the more they change"

One of the most difficult thing about adjusting to a new culture is that many things are really the same, but all just a little different. So when you think you are on sure footing, you get the wind knocked out of you. For instance, the rules to checkers are just different enough to drastically change the strategy; same with B.S. not to mention that a deck of cards has nothing below 6's, which drastically changes many of the games that I know. Sour cream is actually that, the sour cream on the top of a fresh milking; and food dishes are similar, but focus on different spices.

The movie title "lost in Translation" was just that; it didn't translate well, and they changed the name. How ironic is that?

Ukrainians are generally very fashion conscience, and their coats and winter attire can be quite impressive, but when summer comes it is clear that they haven't mastered the casual style. Or perhaps my concept of fashion is just very different than theirs. The men's mesh netting shirts, which are very popular, are the most puzzling. I can't even begin to describe them, but lets just say they leave nothing to the imagination; many women don’t cover much more.

Parents often have children here that are separated by 10 to 15 years. This is because of the financial situation. They sometimes wait until one child is grown before they decide to have another. 3 children is a large family here.

Construction is done piecemeal, as money becomes available. There are different architectural styles in different parts of the country, but for the most part, all is in brick, and since Soviet times most has been apartment buildings.

It is interesting to try to participate in a religion that is essentially the same faith: they recognize the Pope as the head of church, and yet virtually every custom and tradition is different.

Many of you probably call it "the" Ukraine as I did before I came. I commented in another post on how this is viewed as a small slight. The English grammar rule says that the definite article implies Ukraine as a region instead of a country. Although other countries use an article, such as ours, their excellent command of English rules makes this point too strong. Ukrainian (and Russian) have no articles, no concept whatsoever. No the, no a, no an; ever. The definite/indefinite difference is a hard concept for them to master in English, so they follow rules very strictly. The Soviets were very good at teaching English; they took it very seriously. I have seen many old Soviet textbooks that are better than some of the ones currently in use.

Most people have trouble believing that I can speak Ukrainian passably, and yet not understand Russian at all. It is baffling to them, and sometimes they think of it as applaud able, at least in my region

Homeroom teachers sponsor a class (25-30 students) when it enters school. They have ultimate responsibility of all of their kids' grades, and they work with the parents. They stay with the class until they graduate (as do other teachers, for instance they have the same English teacher for all 7 years of combined middle and high school). Homeroom classes also help the teacher fix and repair their room at the end of every year. This translates to homeroom teachers generally having clocks in their rooms and other teachers not having them. Also surprising is the fact that we have a complete computer lab with internet access (but no printer) at the school, and yet no photocopier.

Maybe in some cosmic homecoming, I have found the mother culture of all things relative. They never tell me of big events. I have gone to school or come home and found we are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, major holidays, never with any forewarning. All decisions wait on an ever extending list of extenuating circumstances, and nothing is ever done until it is due, and then it is done while you are not looking.

They often leave a home, gathering, or camp with no warning, no goodbyes - a person who alludes to doing something in the afternoon could be gone by then (via public transport which definitely requires forethought) . Yet they ALWAYS say hello to everyone (at least a man to all other men) when they arrive.

I mistakenly went to a play last night. It was very good, but it was sponsored by a political party. We are supposed to be impartial and non-political, which has been very difficult as a monumental Parliamentary election will be held this Sunday. The sad thing was that the play was like watching the Ukrainian version of the "Little Match Girl" but the extent that the audience identified with the main character was palpable. They even found their common misfortunes comic at times.

I need to state a few things that might come across a little negatively, so that I can reaffirm to myself that I don't believe them:

You can't get nauseas and tired from someone giving you the evil eye, no matter with intent or unwittingly; a breeze through the house or a car will not make you sick; all enclosed areas don't need to be stiflingly still. The ground is not ALWAYS cold and sitting on it or steps won't cause your health any problems, such as freezing ovaries. Nor will drinking cold drinks in the morning give you a sore throat.
Thank you for listening, it just had to be said.

posted by jjs @ 12:39 AM