Do you think Yasodhara's transition from life in Sri Lanka to her new one in California could have been made easier for her and if so, how?
Created: 09/15/14
Replies: 5
Join Date: 10/15/10
Posts: 3442
Join Date: 06/16/11
Posts: 410
I am not sure it could have. The need to leave and the her parents concern for their children's safety made it necessary. I think having an uncle already living there was to their benefit and most helpful. Children are able to adapt, learn language and become part of the world they live in way faster than the parents and usually make these transitions a lot more easily than their parents.
Join Date: 10/23/12
Posts: 85
The only way it could have been easier is if the parents had had time to learn how to live with the girls, but they were too busy just trying to survive and make the best of a hard situation. Maybe if they had landed in a neighborhood with other immigrants who knew the language and customs they had just left it would have been at least more bearable? Without "community" it is so hard to adjust.
Join Date: 03/13/12
Posts: 548
I did not ever feel like it could have been easier. In fact, they were lucky to have a family member already there to help them with the transition. I doubt that most Americans understand just how difficult a move like this could be. Most Americans are not bilingual and are used to finding people in most any country who know at least a few words of English to help them with transactions.
Join Date: 09/19/13
Posts: 65
Luckily the girls spoke English, so could communicate. I think the uncle and aunt could have spent some time introducing the girls to the customs and mores of American instead of allowing them to wander off. Munaweera certainly described Sri Lanka with love and beauty, but her description of America was very cold and unwelcoming. I guess if I were the girls and I had those feelings it would make my transition quite difficult
Join Date: 09/09/13
Posts: 164
I don't believe their transition could have been easier. I do believe there was a fine line between continuing their cultural expectations and being 'more' American. Seems to be more a family issue requiring dialog. The sisters had it made compared to others in similar positions. Their family seemed to make every avenue open for the sisters.
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