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.