Funny in Farsi: Cultural Assimilation in America
Have you ever moved to a new country with a completely different culture? What challenges did you face in adapting to unfamiliar customs and traditions?
In her memoir Funny in Farsi, Firoozeh Dumas shares her experiences with cultural assimilation in America after immigrating from Iran as a child. Through a series of humorous and poignant anecdotes, she offers insights into the joys and struggles of navigating a new culture while preserving one's heritage.
Keep reading to learn about Firoozeh's journey, the lessons she learned, and how her unique perspective sheds light on the immigrant experience in the United States.
Adapting to Life in America
When Firoozeh Dumas moved from Iran to the United States, she faced the challenge of cultural assimilation in America. In her book Funny in Farsi, she candidly shares her journey of adapting to a vastly different culture and the insights she gained along the way.
Firoozeh encountered significant differences between her native Iran and her new life in America. From the educational system to family traditions, she had to navigate a new set of cultural norms. In Iran, education emphasized strict discipline and rote learning, with a focus on geography and religious studies. In contrast, Firoozeh found the U.S. system to be more relaxed and enjoyable, with engaging teaching methods and less emphasis on excessive assignments and physical discipline.
Family life and traditions also varied greatly. Firoozeh's meticulous father, the first in his family to pursue education in the U.S., quickly adapted to American efficiency. Holiday celebrations took on new meaning as the family blended Iranian and American customs. Instead of large family gatherings, they watched Christmas specials and took advantage of after-Christmas sales while still honoring their Persian heritage through the scents of Nowruz.
Growing Appreciation for American Culture
Initially, Firoozeh struggled with feelings of alienation and confusion, especially during holiday celebrations and interactions with classmates who held misconceptions about her country of origin. Her mother faced language barriers, while Firoozeh had to adjust to different cultural norms, such as personal space.
However, acts of kindness from Americans helped ease these challenges. A stranger assisted her family in finding their way home, and they received invitations to social gatherings. Over time, Firoozeh grew to appreciate various aspects of American culture, such as Halloween festivities and free public libraries. She embraced American traditions while still cherishing her Iranian roots, participating in Christmas celebrations alongside an increasing Iranian immigrant community that brought new energy to Nowruz festivities.
Family's Journey of Assimilation
Firoozeh's family faced their own set of challenges as they tried to understand and adapt to American life. Her parents encountered language barriers and cultural misunderstandings, even with her father's advanced education in the U.S. Her mother learned English from game shows but struggled with grammar and pronunciation, leading to humorous misunderstandings.
The family's attempts to bridge the cultural gap were a process of trial and error. They dined at American restaurants and participated in birthday promotions, though her father questioned unnecessary expenses. They also worked to dispel misconceptions about Iran amidst growing anti-Iranian sentiment during the hostage crisis.
Despite the challenges, the family found ways to preserve their Iranian heritage while embracing their new life in America. They maintained culinary traditions, showcased Persian crafts, and valued the cultural norm of welcoming guests with food. They approximated birthdates for U.S. records when their traditional birth register was lost, and they secured neighboring burial plots, highlighting the strong family bonds that transcended cultural differences.
Reconciling Dual Identities
Throughout her journey, Firoozeh grappled with reconciling her Iranian identity with her American upbringing. As a child, she assumed the role of interpreter for her mother, navigating the complexities of two cultures and languages. She observed cultural divides, such as Americans' limited knowledge of Iran's geography compared to her own extensive understanding.
Firoozeh initially simplified her interactions by using the name "Julie," but later reclaimed her given name, Firoozeh, as the political climate shifted. She reflects on the growing acceptance of diverse cultural backgrounds in the U.S., likening it to an appreciation for a variety of international cuisines.
The author skillfully interweaves her Iranian heritage with the lessons she learned growing up in America. She recounts her experiences with humor, from being praised for her bilingual skills as a translator to navigating her evolving identity. Her unique perspective, shaped by her Iranian origins and American upbringing, allows her to capture the essence of Iran while dispelling misconceptions.
As Firoozeh's own family grew, she resolved to instill in her children the cultural values of her Iranian heritage alongside those of her French influences. She aimed to raise them with a global perspective, appreciating multiple languages and cultures. By speaking to them in their ancestral language and sharing traditional dishes, she consciously preserved her cultural legacy while blending it with their American education and experiences.