People should follow the customs and traditions when they start to live in a new country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is sometimes argued that new residents ought to adapt to local customs and traditions when settling in a foreign country. While I accept that following core local norms helps smooth integration, I believe people do not need to abandon their own cultural heritage entirely.
On the one hand, adhering to basic local customs is clearly beneficial for newcomers. Firstly, this helps them avoid unnecessary misunderstandings or conflicts with local communities. For example, in many Middle Eastern countries, modest dress is expected in public spaces; new arrivals who ignore this rule may cause offence and face social exclusion, making it harder to build relationships with neighbours. Secondly, embracing local traditions allows migrants to gain a deeper sense of belonging. Joining local festivals, such as Thanksgiving in the US or Lunar New Year celebrations in East Asia, helps new residents understand local values and feel part of the community, rather than remaining as outsiders.
On the other hand, it is unreasonable to demand that new settlers completely give up their own traditions. Forcing people to abandon their cultural practices, such as religious dietary rules or traditional festival celebrations, violates their cultural rights and can lead to resentment. For instance, many Indian migrants in Western countries continue to celebrate Diwali and follow vegetarian dietary customs, which not only preserves their cultural identity but also enriches the cultural diversity of their host society, with many local people now taking part in Diwali events in cities like London and Toronto.
In conclusion, I partly agree that new residents should respect and follow key local customs to integrate well, but they should also be free to maintain their own cultural traditions, as this creates a more diverse and harmonious society.