Cultural Issues facing Men seeking a foreign bride

The benefits of inter-cultural marriages are increasing exponentially with their growing frequency, not to mention the advances in technology and travel freedoms from which they originate.  There is a growing realisation of the huge advantages to be gleaned from learning about customs in other countries.

However, although the introductions offered by Brides-4u ensure that both the women and men involved are seeking the same happy and secure future, and that the benefits of such international relationships far outweigh the negatives, differences in culture can arise in all aspects of everyday life and it is very useful to be aware of any potential issues. 

The importance of cultural differences

These can arise at any stage of correspondence, from letter writing to significantly, eventual marriage and settling in a new country, and cannot be over emphasised.  If not dealt with properly, linguistic and cultural differences can affect the following elements crucial to the development of a sustainable relationship;

• communication,
• tolerance,
• understanding.

The most common cultural differences

• Interpretation of biographical information and communication.  In Russia, for example, the following cultural signifiers are of paramount importance:
1. Nationality: In Russia, being Russian is integral to one?s concept of self rather than the mere statement of nationality as we understand.
2. Ethnic background of the desired partner: there is a tendency to favour white men over any other ethnic group.
3. Religion: for a Russian, the term Christian indicates race, not faith and has become muddled with nationalism and ethnic identification since independence.  Western men however will interpret the description ?Christian? as simply a statement of religion rather then race.
4. Local issues: the women often answering questions as if they addressed local experiences, but when they are presented and read on the Internet, the answers are interpreted to be addressing Western issues.
• Language.  Although most brides have at least a basic level of English in which to communicate, the level needed to live in a new country is much higher.  Furthermore, cyber communication can intensify the frequency of missed or misunderstood important linguistic terms and social indicators.   Language can also exacerbate other problems such as;
1. making new friends and
2. finding a job
• Stresses of migration itself: discrimination against racial minorities in this country.
• Dependency on the husband: mail order brides are often economically and psychologically dependent upon their spouse, limiting her alternatives to the relationship and placing her at increased risk for domestic violence.
• Lack of localised support group: the bride does not have the benefit of friends and relatives close by on whom to ask for advice and support.

How to overcome cultural differences

Be aware of:

• the symbolic representation and the misunderstandings of computer mediated communication
• cultural misunderstandings around the terms used to describe race and religion.

The most important thing you can do, however, is show your wife support and understanding which will greatly facilitate her transition into her new country.

Further Information

• Brides-4U's article on cultural issues for Brides to be aware of
• Dispelling the social stigma behind the mail order bride process
  

Article by Emma Newlands
© Brides-4U Ltd