Australia has been very successful at accepting people from other cultures into the country and encouraging them to become productive and loyal citizens. For people arriving here through Immigration – Australian Social Customs must sometimes seem very confusing but the rewards are there for those willing to ask questions and try new things. http://www.abclegal.com.au

1. Accepted Through Immigration – Australian Social Customs the Next Challenge
It is difficult for people newly arrived in a country to learn the culture and customs, but any
effort put into learning the ropes will be returned ten-fold when the new arrivals start to feel
confident in most work and social situations. For the thousands of migrants who enter Australia
through Immigration, Australian Social Customs must appear to be a complete jumble of
contradictions and variations. It must seem that just as they have a handle on one particular
aspect of our culture, they encounter something else that seems at odds with what they know.
A good example is the advice that making eye contact is considered to be a sign of respect when
meeting someone in Australia. However, the other side to that advice is that it is rude to stare at
someone. Is it any wonder new arrivals get confused! Even the Lawyers Brisbane working in the
immigration industry find this a common issue that confuses people from other cultures.
Australians could appear to be a little “stand-offish” to people who come from cultures where it
is customary to kiss on both cheeks or hug as a greeting even when people don’t know each other
well. Shaking hands with the right hand extended is the correct greeting, with other approaches
kept for family and friends.
Clothing is another area that new arrivals find confusing. 96% of Australia’s population live
within an hour’s drive of the ocean, so swimming and beach culture is very important. Skimpy
beachwear is perfectly acceptable and should not be interpreted as a reflection of the moral
standards of the wearers. People are free to wear a wide variety of clothing and if new arrivals
wear their national dress, that is also accepted.
A ritual that assures acceptance into a social circle is an invitation to an event, and again there
are Immigration Australian Social Customs that need to be observed. Written invitations require
a written response, regardless of whether or not the person will be attending. If an invitation to a
meal is accepted, and the invitee has dietary restrictions for religious reasons, simply state that
on the invitation response and the host will not be offended.
However, one sure way for people new to Australia to upset the locals is to exhibit impolite
behaviour. For a country that is laid-back and accepting of differences, behaviour considered
rude and ignorant will elicit a quick, loud and very public admonishment. Examples include
pushing in ahead of others, not responding with a “please” or “thank you” in appropriate places
and spitting onto the footpath. The latter behaviour, particularly, could see the new arrival in
need of help from Solicitors Brisbane.
As a country that has welcomed millions of people from other countries and cultures, Australia
has had great success at creating an environment where people are accepted and encouraged to
take citizenship. If the new arrivals make the effort to understand our culture and customs too,
they will enjoy their new lives and get along just fine.
http://www.abclegal.com.au