Immigrants from Columbia - Essay Example

Immigrants from Colombia: The Cortes The Cortes Columbians are naturally much attached to their families which act as a source of support and advice, thus great loyalty is exhibited to family members. Extended family members do not usually live under one roof but they frequently visit other members of the family. It is normal for children to remain in their homes till they are married and the elderly are highly respected for their experience and age. Colombia is a hierarchical society and one earns respect due to their position and age.

Older people are generally perceived as very knowledgeable and are highly respected. Men usually shake hands with direct eye contact and use of appropriate greeting of the day is very vital. Women often do not shake hands but rather grasps forearms.The official language in Colombia is Spanish and it’s spoken widely and the rest are American Indian languages. Religious wise, Colombians are Roman Catholics and such personal issues as marriage and family life have been highly influenced by the same.

Thus my approach in trying to work with this family would be to first approach the elders of the family (in this case the grandparents) and strike a friendship with the them since they are the most revered and will obviously have the final say. I would engage them with the language that they understand best and then try to deduce claims of abuse. If the claims are true, then I will follow the right way to have the children registered in the appropraite way so as they can benefit from the Department of Children and Family, of course with the full support of their mother and grannies.

That way I will have assisted the children and struck a rapport with their whole mother and grandparents, thus ensuring the family bond still remains tight.Referenceshttp://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/colombia.html