AboutSuki Shergill-Connolly Expertise First generational gap issues and cultural balancing strategies between East and West.
Indian Culture in Canada and The United States
Experience I am a first generation British born East Indian, raised and educated in Canada. I have lived and worked professionally in Canada, the Far East, Middle East, Europe and the United States. I did not have an arranged marriage, but chose to have a 'love' marriage (1990), my immediate and extended family continues to adapt and overcome cultural challenges with regards to this delicate balancing act. I provide guidance for my husband and his family and friends on a daily basis in the following areas; food, music, customs (Punjabi), basic religious comprehension (Sikh), dress and language. I am raising two children who are exposed to both parent's heritage and culture.
I fluently speak Punjabi, English (read & write) and Dutch (read & write -with some grammatical exceptions). I have working knowledge of French (read & write - with grammatical exceptions) and a survival level knowledge of Arabic and Cantonese.
Organizations Delta Gamma Women's Fraternity - Zeta Omicron Chapter (Wilfrid Laurier University)
Collegiate Adviser - University of Hartford - Delta Gamma (Eta Beta Chapter)
Education/Credentials M.Ed./P.G.C.E. - University of Sussex (Education), 1996
CTEFL - RSA/Cambridge University - British Council, 1995
Honors BA - Wilfrid Laurier University, 1990
Question I have recently moved and my new neighbors are traditional Indian.(women wearing the head scarf). Last night she brought me over a plate of food.
I would like to give her a small thank-you gift. What would be appropriate? I was thinking of a nice plant.
Answer A card or small plant is perfectly appropriate. Please note, traditional Indian encompasses many religions and manner of dress. Your neighbors may be Hindu, Sikh, Muslim or Sindh, hopefully your continued interaction with them will provide further clarification.
Trusting that this answer is satisfactory.
Sincerely,
Ms. Suki Shergill-Connolly
