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  • Essay / Third Culture Kids - 846

    Third Culture Kids (TCK) is one of several categories or titles used to identify unique groups of people. Here is the definition of a TCK: A third culture kid (TCK) is someone who spent a significant portion of their developmental years outside of their parents' culture. The TCK establishes relationships with all cultures, but does not fully own them. Although elements of each culture are assimilated into the life experience of TCKs, the sense of belonging is linked to others of similar origin. The TCKs became a unique group of the terrestrial population from the first migrations. They are normal people, with the usual difficulties and joys of life, who grew up amid more than one cultural experience. Multiple cultural contexts often make TCKs appear different from those around them. TCKs have an unusual outlook on everyday life. They have a broader view of the world. They acquire greater language skills. They learn to adapt quickly to the place and circumstances around them. Although the childhood experiences of third-culture children are very different, living in a culture other than that of their parents is a beneficial experience that continues to influence their lives (Pollock 19). From a young age, children from a third culture gain a broader worldview by living in a country. and a culture different from their original culture. They observe many geographic differences around the world and learn that people view life from different philosophical and political perspectives. For example, in some parts of the world people view Saddam Hussein as a hero, while in others they view him as a villain. Western culture is very time oriented, while relationships are of much greater importance in Eastern countries....... middle of article ......nn Close– American actor (Zaire, Switzerland). And you? Have you spent influential years in different countries and know other cultures so well that there are aspects you prefer over others? Do you find yourself smiling at the sound of a foreign language? Are your best friends scattered all over the world? If you answered “Yes,” you may be a third culture child. There are hundreds of thousands of people like you. Although the childhood experiences of third-culture children are very different, living in a culture other than their parents' is a beneficial experience that continues to influence their lives. Works Cited Henry, Jeannine. Learn and use a second language. 5th ed. New York: St. Martin'sPress, 1994. Print. Pollock, David C. and Van Reken, Ruth E. The third cultural experience for children: growing up among the worlds. Yarmouth: Intercultural Press, Inc., 1999. Print.