Cultural Autobiography example

While in London, I have interacted with people who come from unique cultures, some similar to what I’ve grown up in, others different. Before coming to London, I have lived in Dubai all of my life. Describing my background while growing up is pretty similar to outlining the culture of Dubai. Family I come from a middle-class Arab speaking family in Dubai. My family comprises of five members; my parents, two brothers and I. Our household is very religious as it centers on Allah, trust, and communication among the members. Living in an extended family meant that most of the things were pretty in the open. There were no major secrets about what activities we engaged in as children. Our parents had always taught us to be open to them.

To date, I still share with my parents about the major things that I have been involved in. My mother and other women in our family always dress in Hijabs as our religion says that those who believe in it should always lower their gaze, be modest and not display their beauty or ornaments to the public. Mosques characterize the Muslim religion as places of worship, religious beliefs and religious celebrations that are usually market across the world. As Muslims, mosques are used for making the five daily prayers; Fajir, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. These prayers are done at specific times of the day as per requirement under the Islam doctrine (Jafari & Noel, 5). Mosques are also used for Friday prayers where Muslims gather and get taught by either an Imam or a Sheikh.

The number of mosques in London are few when compared to life in Dubai. Before leaving for London, I was always obedient to respecting the dress code prescribed for Muslims. While living in London, I no longer dress as a Muslim all the time and have adopted some of the dressing codes of the western culture. This is one of the things that differentiates me from my family and members of the Muslim community in Dubai. After interacting with religiously diverse people in London, I am of the worldview that all religions are important and should be respected. I attended a school that taught other languages after my madrasa classes. While in this school, I was able to learn English as a secondary language. While in London, I have been able to improve on my English language as it’s the main language used here.

In our nuclear family, I am the only member who can read and communicate effectively in the English language. Several of my cousins and nephews are also in the process of learning the English language. The friends that I had while growing up were fond of playing football. We could play football in small teams to pass the time after attending madrasa classes. I have grown to love football. When I was not playing football in my free time, I could always find time to watch one on the television. Upon moving to London, I could rarely play due to the busy schedule that I often had. Language The main language spoken in Dubai is Arabic. It is the officially acceptable language used even in government offices. Most of the people who stay in Dubai know how to communicate effectively through the Arabic language.

Other languages like English and Spanish exist in Dubai but only in elected places. Just like with dress codes and attires, the Arabic language gives Dubai its unique identity (Boussaa 54). Conclusion Family and religion are the two main cultural aspects that connect my past and the present. When I look at myself, I can identify myself as a Muslim who has tried to balance life in conservative Dubai and western life. I go to a mosque every Friday for prayers and still abide by the teachings of Islam. My stay in London has introduced shades of the western culture, something which is evident in my dressing and friends I have. My Islam background may not have prepared me for interaction with the western culture, but I have learned to adapt and fit in.

Dhami, Sangeeta, and Aziz Sheikh. The Muslim family: predicament and promise.  Western Journal of Medicine 173. Inglehart, Ronald, and Wayne E. Baker.