Soukeyna Niang
ESL 100
In class Essay
September 30, 2024
Debut in Chicago
Adaptation is needed when moving far away from one’s home country to another. This situation can be very challenging for a lot of people due to a new culture and behaviors. It is very difficult to fit in an unknown country at the beginning, but being curious helps a lot. My debut in Chicago helped me understand that good food does not only exist in Senegal like I used to believe, and being bilingual can be very impressive. I also would like to introduce my family to some of the food that I know how to make now just so they have the same experience as me. Since I have been to the United States, I had to give up a lot of things in order to fit in American culture, especially my favorite cuisine and the language.
Chicago has a wide range of cuisines which have inspired me to try new dishes, tastes, and food. I have been out of my home country, Senegal for three years now, but fitting in this country was not easy at first. I am not a difficult person when it comes to food even though I did not have an appetite the first week I got to Chicago. It was mainly because I was used to my Senegalese food, such as the national dish called Thiebou Dieune. It is a dish made with rice, fish and vegetables. Fortunately, I am a curious person, and I started to go to different restaurants including Mexican, Chinese, Moroccan and some buffets. Since then, I am comfortable with any kind of food because I am a food lover, and it is a good experience to taste food from different cultures, other than the ones I used to have back home. The first time that I tried tacos, I went to the store the next day to buy everything I needed and make them at home for lunch because it was so good. I have also attended some food festivals on the North side. However, I only cook Senegalese food now when I really miss it because it is hard to find the same ingredients in Chicago.
Despite that I am very comfortable with the food in the city, I am still adapting and trying to figure out the language. When I was in Senegal, I never thought about speaking other languages besides my native language Wolof and the official one which is French. To be honest, I used to have English classes, but I did not take them seriously because I was just learning the basics, until I knew that I was coming to the United States. I remember when I got to the airport the first time, I did not know any word that was coming out of the agent’s mouth. It was also a big problem when I had to call Apple by myself to set up my account. I was not used to the American accent and the representative was talking too fast for me. I had the same experience at the DMV as well. I had to ask the guy who was working there to speak slowly so I could understand. It is much better now because I have learned a lot and can have a solid conversation with native speaker without any stutter or hesitation. I sometimes lose some words, which is understandable because English is not my first language, but it does not stop me from saying what I want to say. I even started losing my French because I do not have anybody to talk to. I always use some English words when I speak French with my parents because now it is a habit for me.
Overall, even though leaving a country for another can be very difficult, I think it is a good experience in life because of trying new food, meeting new people and learning about other cultures. Eating food and learning a language from outside one’s country makes a person fly to that unknown country without really being there. It helps people open their minds and be more aware about what happens in the world. Adapting is the best solution when moving abroad. It can be the debut of everything.
Hi Sue, thank you for sharing your story. I also love cooking. Whenever I watch and taste any good foods, I try to cook various countries foods by myself base on recipes in You Tube. If you would like to try Korean food, I recommend you to eat Korean BBQ. I'm sure that you will like it! Moreover, I never paid attention at my English class in Korea either. When I came to US for the fist time, I could't understand native accent. the problem of English education in Korea is they focus only on grammar in school not English conversation. But, you look very comfortable and good at speech English I think. I wonder how you are studying English at home haha
ReplyDeleteHi Sol, I really appreciate the compliment haha. It is a good idea because I was thinking about a new restaurant to try Korean BBQ. I never try it before but I do not know which restaurant make it the best.
DeleteHi Soukeyna! Thanks for sharing with us. Food is one of the most incredible things in the world. I’m glad you can enjoy all the different options in Chicago. Maybe one day we can try cooking Senegal and Colombian food together.
ReplyDeleteHi Jay, I would be more than happy to do that with you. I agree food is everything. Let me know when you are avalaible
DeleteHi Soukeyna, thanks for sharing your story. I'm a food lover, and I was curious about many kinds of food after I arrived in Chicago. I tried some, but most of them disappointed me. I prefer to cook by myself now. You speak English fluently, and I used to think you grew up in the U.S. I think I need to talk to you more, and I hope I can speak English as well as you.
ReplyDeleteHi Yanfang, oh really that is sad but it is a good thing because you wont have to spend all your money outside. Everything is so expensive in Chicago. I will be more than happy to talk with you.
DeleteHi, Soukeyna. I admire you for being so comfortable with Chicago food, but I’m the opposite. I’m not comfortable at all. I grew up eating spicy food, and the food here is not my taste at all. Cooking at home is better than outside. Besides, I really think your spoken English is very good and fluent.
ReplyDeleteHi Shanshan, I know how hard it is to adjust it because you do not used to. There are some restaurants that have options with spicy foods, you can try them for example if you like spicy chicken Nando's has an incredible one
DeleteHi Soukeyna! I have same feeling as you on learning English. It's very hard for me as well because English is totally different with Chinese from spelling to grammar. I'm like a baby learn to say their first word! Also, you said that your are a cuisine lover. Me too! I always try to find some delicious food in Chicago. However, the language and vehicle is a big problem. I only try a few food from other country in Chicago. Hope I will have chance to try more of them in the future. (or do you have any recommendations? 🥺)
ReplyDeleteHi Emily, I am glad that I have the same experience with another person. I think our English is getting better and I understood that I need to communicate more and not afraid to make mistakes. I know it can be difficult sometimes when you do not have a car.
DeleteHi, Soukeyna. I’m also the food lover, and my plan is try all the different foods in the world. English is a challenge for me, so I stop here. Your speak English very well, and II hope to be able to speak fluent English as well as you someday. At that time, can you give me some recommendation for me?
ReplyDeleteHi Liz, I work in a gas station and I have to talk to people all the time. I think that help me a lot. I am not saying some speaking Chinese but even with your friends try to communicate with them a lot in English. The great thing is if you make mistakes while you talking with a native American, people do not make fun of me but help you with your mistake. You can do it
DeleteHi Soukeyna! Thanks for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand your experience in the United States. I identify a lot with the food. Chicago has a variety of delicious food. However, one always misses its culture. This doesn't mean that you should leave your culture behind, but it does mean that you should give yourself the opportunity to try something different. I'm glad that you're adapting to American culture.
Hi Jaremy, I agree with you because what would we be without our culture. Like you said never leave your culture behind.
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