Important Cultural Notes
Because things are so different here, some families might feel the need to explain to you how to do everything.
They‟re just trying to be helpful.
Bread is special. Don‟t put it on the floor or throw it away or waste it. Bread and dough are not to be taken likely,
and they are much more respected than in the states.
Learn the word “myself” – мен ҿзім [ men oozim] If you don‟t want/need help, keep saying it until they understand.
During the first two weeks you‟ll be invited to do things with the host family. Just go along for the ride even if you
don‟t feel comfortable with the language yet.
Host family will want to escort you everywhere the first two weeks. Let them because it‟s their way of showing their
hospitality.
Men may be offered laundry service from the family. Women usually are not. Regardless, ask your family for help
in doing laundry here for the first time, it‟s very different from the States.
Please keep your room clean. If you don‟t, your host family members might feel they have to. And they already have
enough to do, so don‟t make it worse.
With some families, you will not be banyaing alone (See a manual”Cross Culture reading”, p. 64). If this makes you
uncomfortable, ask to banya alone but it‟s just another part of the culture.
Telling you “Же! Же!” [zhyeh!, zheyh!] “Eat, eat!” is also part of local hospitality. Just try a little of everything,
eat slowly, always have food on your plate and thank them for their hospitality.
Cleaning your plate [eating everything] is polite in the United States. Cleaning your plate in Kazakhstan is a sign
for your host-family to give you more food.
Helping clean around the house can be difficult. If you are a man, understand that their first thought will be that you
are unhappy with their own cleaning abilities, or that they are not fast enough for you.