Now that you have what you need to survive, it’s time to buckle down and become a learner. You need to meet people, ask questions, and write things down. Here is a simple list to get you started. This is taken from “Getting Acquainted with Your New Home” by Orville Jenkins.
Things to learn
- How do I say hello?
- How do I say goodbye?
- How, what, and when do people eat?
- How to behave as a guest in someone’s house?
- How much space is personal space?
- How late is late?
- What is immodest?
- What clothing is appropriate?
- What are appropriate and inappropriate relationships toward the opposite sex?
- What are appropriate and inappropriate gestures?
- What are appropriate and inappropriate forms of physical contact?
- What are the roles of family members?
- What are the rites or special occasions during someone’s life?
- What are the defining parts of the history?
- What aspects of history or politics should not be discussed?
- Who are the majors heroes or figures who have shaped the nation?
- When are the holidays?
- What is the structure of the government?
- When are the elections?
- What is the relationship between the national and local government?
- What are the major political parties?
- What are the titles for those in authority?
- What is the legal process?
- How should I respond towards the police?
- What things would I need permission for?
- What rights do I have?
- What should I do if I am involved in a vehicle accident?
- What should I do if my house is broken into?
- What is the budget for an average family for one month?
- What are the main industries?
- What is the main source of news?
- What magazines are widely read?
- What are the major radio stations?
- What are the marriage customs?
- What are the burial customs?
- What are the religious customs?
- Where are the places of worship?
- What are the folk beliefs?