How to Be a Welcoming Local to Immigrants

In the wake of the recent InterNations report ranking Austria as the least friendly country for immigrants, maybe it is time to evaluate what causes this unfriendliness and how to collaborate with locals in social terms.

How does it feel to be an immigrant?

Immigration is a complex issue with many different perspectives and opinions. As of 2023, 34.3% of Vienna’s inhabitants are people of international origin. This is a considerable number that can not be taken for granted. Now, this city has an international identity. Immigrants deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

While the spotlight is always on immigrants and their need to integrate into a country, it’s time to raise awareness among locals about the experiences of immigrants. Many natives can’t relate to how hard it is to explain yourself in a foreign and difficult language, such as German, especially if you recently moved to the country with little chance of learning and practicing it due to full-time job or studies.

When locals and natives of a country welcome immigrants with open arms, they make adjusting to a new culture and language much easier. Many people don’t realize that continuously speaking in a foreign language (no matter how well a person speaks it) is like walking with a heavy bag on your shoulders: you can carry it, but not for a long time.

Imagine I see a foreigner in my country speaking even five words in my native language. In that case, I will applaud and cheer because that person appreciates me for choosing to move to my country out of 200+ countries and, in just a few years, is learning the language that I still write with grammar mistakes.

Therefore, while foreigners carry this heavy bag, here are three things to help them in everyday life.

Speak slower

When you’re asked to repeat what you just said, do so patiently, and use simple sentences with fewer verbs as might be needed. It’s a simple, everyday situation that doesn’t require “TV show” like accuracy. Try to use body language as much as possible. It always works.

Be humble

We agree that we, immigrants moved to this country because we know how great it is. Please respect that we all contribute the same to the country. We pay taxes and we are working hard to deserve the jobs we are doing. We contribute equally to preserve – or even improve – the greatness of this beautiful country.

Be patient and help out

It takes time to learn a new language and culture. Avoid frustration if an immigrant makes mistakes. When clearly the foreigner struggles to find the right words, pay attention, and if you can complete their sentence, please do. Also, if you know in English the words we are trying to say in German, please say it. Remember that we left our home countries and everything we know behind. It can be a very daunting experience.

Everyone experiences culture shock differently. Be patient and understanding with people who are struggling to adjust. In her 2013 book “I Am Malala,” Malala Yousafzai, the world’s youngest Nobel Prize laureate, said, “The only way to build a better future is to work together, regardless of our differences,” and I agree.

Continue reading: 5 great podcasts about migration and social inclusion