Birchermüesli for Breakfast, Fufu for Dinner: Raising Mixed-Cultured Children
Raising children with dual cultural identities is a unique journey, filled with both challenges and rewards. As parents of Swiss-Igbo children, we witness the delicate balance of blending two rich cultures in our everyday lives. Imagine starting your day with a traditional Swiss Birchermüesli and ending it with a plate of spicy Igbo soup and fufu – welcome to our family’s life, where Swiss traditions and Igbo heritage coexist harmoniously. Having raised our children in Zürich, Switzerland, for 10 years, and then relocating to Nigeria brought about many changes, yet some things remained wonderfully the same.
Cultural identity in Switzerland
In Zürich, our kids mainly identified as Swiss. Raised among Swiss German speakers, they associated with their Swiss friends, ate mostly Swiss foods (lots of cheese), and even participated in Schwingen, one of the most traditional Swiss sports. Despite their strong Swiss identity, we made sure to maintain their link to their Igbo heritage. Attending Igbo meetings, playing Igbo music at home, watching Nigerian movies, and enjoying Igbo foods at least once a week were regular activities. Additionally, sacrificing other holidays to visit Ala Igbo once a year was essential to keep up our familial connections in Nigeria.
Multicultural parenting
In our intentional approach to parenting, we share cultural responsibilities: I focus on Swiss traditions, while my husband Ezenwa introduces the Igbo heritage. We both believe that language is the key to cultural understanding, which is why we made it a priority to speak our mother tongues to our children. Ezenwa communicates exclusively in Igbo, and I converse in Swiss German. This balance provides our children with a comprehensive cultural education and ensures they are proficient in both languages, enriching their multicultural identity and sense of belonging.
The blending of cultures is a beautiful aspect of their identity
Having been exposed to two different cultures, our children often blend elements from them seamlessly. For instance, we can be listening to Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe in the car, and they might request Bligg (Swiss music) next. This seamless blending of cultures is a beautiful aspect of their identity.
After moving to Nigeria, their exposure to Igbo culture increased significantly. Now, “Kedu” instead of “Grüezi” is the common greeting, and “Okpa” instead of “Bratwurst” is available on the street corners. Since the presence of other Swiss people is rare here, my husband and I have switched roles, and I now put in strong efforts at home to speak Swiss German, ensuring they don't forget it.
Cultural identity in Nigeria
Living in Nigeria brings new experiences and deepens our understanding of Igbo culture. The children adapt to local customs and practices, becoming even more accustomed to chores and helping around the house. They have also learned to be more respectful towards elders, a fundamental aspect of Igbo culture. Addressing their “aunties” and “uncles” formally, rather than by their first names, has become second nature. They don't hesitate to run errands and have become very independent, especially in the village where they will go to the nearest shop to buy fresh eggs or sugar anytime we need it.
For us as parents, raising multicultural children has deepened our understanding of each other's cultures and our own. We may face personal challenges, like differing cultural expectations, but we strive to ensure our children embrace the best of both worlds. Being in a multicultural family adds even more depth to this experience.
Taking the best from both cultures to create something new and beautiful while maintaining the old
Daily, we learn to explain why things are done the way they are, which helps all of us understand better what truly matters, what may be irrelevant, and what traditions we want to uphold. We hope our children grow confident in their Swiss-Igbo roots, taking the best from both cultures to create something new and beautiful while maintaining the old.
PS: You might have noticed that in all the pictures, the kids effortlessly switch between Swiss and Nigerian attire. Let this be symbolic of how comfortable they feel in both cultures.
Last but not least
I decided always to end my blog posts with an Igbo proverb or quote and a song (not necessarily Igbo) that speaks to my heart. Feel free to share your favourite proverbs or a song you are currently listening to!
Igbo quote of the week: "Ejiro ntu agha ama dike." Translation: One does not test a warrior with a blunt spear.
My song this week: "Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche" by Gentleman Mike Ejeagha. Because it is trending everywhere on social media and a song that I have loved for many years.
Disclaimer
This blog is neither scientific research nor a social study; instead, it is written with much appreciation for the Igbo culture, from the subjective perspective of the author, based on personal experience. Generalizations must be read with care, as no truth is true for everyone. And most importantly, this blog is to be read with a smile and a pinch of salt (or pepper in this context).
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