FRIENDS MOOC - Unit 6 - Part 4

Summary

Indrani Kalkan, originally from India, shares her journey of adapting to life in Turkey after marrying a Turkish man. Having lived in Turkey for 24 years, she discusses overcoming language barriers, cultural integration, and the warm, welcoming nature of the Turkish people. Despite practicing Hinduism, she blends both Indian and Turkish cultures in her home and workplace, with her daughter growing up in this multicultural environment. Indrani emphasizes the harmony between her personal beliefs, cultural exchange, and her family's lifestyle, showcasing her positive experience in embracing both her Indian heritage and Turkish life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indrani Kalkan is originally from India and has been living in Turkey for 24 years.
• 😀 She moved to Turkey after meeting her Turkish husband in the United States while pursuing her master's degree.
• 😀 Language was a significant barrier for Indrani when she first arrived in Turkey, especially since Turkish is spoken predominantly in the central Anatolian region.
• 😀 Despite the initial language barrier, Indrani learned Turkish within a year and found it easier to adapt afterward.
• 😀 Turkish people are described as warm, friendly, and open to different cultures, which made integration smoother for her.
• 😀 Indrani practices Hinduism, but her marriage to a Muslim man has not caused any cultural or religious conflicts.
• 😀 At home, Indrani has blended Indian and Turkish cultures, incorporating Indian food, music, clothes, and art while living in a Turkish household.
• 😀 In her workplace, she teaches in Turkish and shares her Indian culture with her Turkish colleagues and students, who appreciate it.
• 😀 Indrani doesn't feel any cultural conflicts in her life, and she often forgets that she's Indian while working and living in Turkey.
• 😀 Indrani has one 16-year-old daughter who identifies more with Turkish culture but also enjoys and embraces aspects of Indian culture, such as food, music, and clothes.
• 😀 The family visits India every year to maintain a connection with their Indian heritage, and Indrani's daughter is raised in a mixed cultural environment.

Q & A

What motivated Indrani Kalkan to move to Turkey?

Indrani Kalkan moved to Turkey after meeting her Turkish husband in the United States, where she was pursuing her master's degree.

How long has Indrani Kalkan lived in Turkey?

Indrani Kalkan has been living in Turkey for 24 years.

What were the initial challenges Indrani faced when adapting to life in Turkey?

The main challenge Indrani faced was the language barrier, particularly because Turkish is the dominant language, especially in central Anatolia.

How did Indrani overcome the language barrier?

Indrani overcame the language barrier by actively learning Turkish, and after one year, she was able to speak the language fluently.

How does Indrani describe Turkish people and their attitude towards different cultures?

Indrani describes Turkish people as warm, friendly, and open to different cultures, which made it easier for her to adapt.

How does Indrani balance her Hindu faith with her marriage to a Muslim?

Indrani practices her Hindu faith privately at home without any issues, and she doesn't feel pressured to adopt Islam.

How has Indrani incorporated Indian culture into her Turkish home?

Indrani's home is a blend of Turkish and Indian cultures, with Indian food, music, clothes, and art integrated into her living space.

What is Indrani's experience like at her workplace in Turkey?

At her workplace, Indrani teaches in Turkish, and although she is Indian, she feels integrated and doesn't experience cultural conflicts with her Turkish colleagues and students.

How does Indrani's daughter relate to her dual cultural heritage?

Indrani's daughter identifies more with Turkish culture but is also fascinated by Indian culture. The family visits India every year, and she enjoys both Indian food and traditions.

How does Indrani feel about her cultural identity while living in Turkey?

Indrani feels comfortable in her dual cultural identity and sometimes even forgets that she is Indian due to her integration into Turkish culture.