European inventory of
societal values of culture

IMMIGRANT CULTURES

Immigrant cultures refer to the diverse customs, traditions, languages, and practices immigrants bring when they settle in a new country or region. The heritage, history, and values of the immigrants' home countries may impact the host country's culture. Immigrants often bring their unique cultural identities and perspectives, contributing to the cultural tapestry of their adopted home. To what extent immigrant and host cultures will become intertwined depends on the government's cultural and social policies.

The impact of immigrant cultures can be seen in various aspects of society, including language, cuisine, art, music, religion, and social customs. For example, neighbourhoods with a significant immigrant population may have ethnic restaurants, shops, and festivals that showcase the traditions and flavours of different cultures. Immigrant communities often maintain close ties to their home countries, particularly the first and second generations, preserving their language, customs, and heritage through community organisations, religious institutions, and cultural celebrations. To what extent immigrant cultures will become an asset for immigrant people depends on the social permeability of the host country.

Immigrant cultures also profoundly influence the host country's culture, leading to cultural exchange, fusion, and adaptation. This dynamic process can result in the creation of new cultural expressions and hybrid identities. It is not uncommon for immigrant cultures to have a lasting impact on their adopted countries' arts, literature, fashion, and popular culture. Finally, cultural fusion will be incorporated into the host country's cultural repertoire.

It is important to note that the integration, acculturation, and adjustment processes differ from one immigrant group to another and can significantly impact how immigrant cultures are preserved or integrated into the host society.

It is essential to recognise and appreciate the contributions of immigrant cultures as they enrich societies, foster understanding, and promote cultural exchange. However, some host-country social groups see the rich diversity of cultures as a threat to their traditional way of life. Extremist political parties also use immigration as a weapon to take advantage of social groups that feel their traditional way of life is threatened. Cultural and social policies have an important role in attenuating tensions of this kind by providing civic education and intercultural literacy. (JLS)