Ghada and her brother Ziyad embrace the english culture much more than their sister Siham because they had shallower roots in the Palestinian soil. Ghada talks about the progression of slowly losing her education in Arabic social behaviour and Muslim religion, she meantions that both ceased when her family left Damascus. She goes on to talk about what she and her siblings retained, from page 219, "Of us three, Siham was least affected, since she was already mature when we reached London, but Ziyad and I fared differently."Ghada's use of the word mature really resonates with me, I think that often use the word matured when talking about physical development, but we also use it to describe someone who has and uses good manners. If you think about it, manners are really a product of the society and culture that one lives within. Siham has matured in Palestine, she has Palestinian culture and manners. Because Ghada and Ziyad are so young when they are uprooted, they really soak up the English culture as they mature.
-Iris Salin Elan
I completely agree Iris. It is evident throughout the book that the older characters have trouble adjusting to the new cultures. For example, Ghada's mother had difficulties ajusting to London's culture. In fact she didn't even attempt to fit in, "She Refused to Learn English, she had no English friends...or even buying such a basic thing as a refridgerator. 'I never had sych a thing in Palistine where it was hot, why should I need it here where I'm freezing?'" (Page 187) Because she was already an adult, her customs and culture are deeply rooted in her everyday life. Therefore she doesn't even attempt to learn the new ways in London. This connects to how Siham still keeps her Palistine mannerism. The older you get the more committed you become to your customs.
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