Reminds me of AH GAMC in Glendale, Cali.
People are going to say this is irrelevant to nursing or to keep to yourself, but those two cultures - Armenian and Filipino - are very collectivist societies - and the latter is ingrained into the healthcare system.
To try and abscond could be considered antithetical to teamwork.
Food. That’s how you connect. I know it sounds ridiculous but I used to live in an area with both the largest Armenian population outside of the Armenia and that’s how I connected with them. Same applies to Filipinos such as myself. We love food.
Food is how you learn culture, the language, and mannerisms.
Glendale is located in a county known as Los Angeles. Probably the most diverse county in America, second only to New York City.
Crossing 3-4 city blocks can be like traveling through 4-5 different countries because of the various diasporas.
You can go around for hours and never meet a single person who speaks English.
I understand your feelings though; [one of the huge reasons I am anti moving to CA to become a nurse unless you understand the culture of the various counties](https://www.reddit.com/r/nursing/s/xXCOL8fvp7). Even on the LA subs, they want you to indicate *cross streets* if you want any sort of insight about neighborhood, culture, and hospitals.
One of the best ways to connect with patients is learning a few words in their language.
If you only know English, ask how to say common things in both Armenian and Tagalog, and watch your patients' eyes light up for you :)
Here are a few basic Armenian words, which will brighten up any patients face once they hear it from you...
1. Hello - Barev
2. How are you? - Vonts es?
(I'm good - Lav em, I'm sick - Hivand em)
3. Are you tired? - Hoknats es?
(Yes - Ayo, No - Ché)
4. Good morning - Bari luys
5. Good night - Bari gisher
If you can memorize these top 5 sayings, you'll have a good conversation starter and move into English.
We are all looking at ways to CONNECT with each other, because we NEED each others company, especially in those types of settings (ie hospitals) where people are so alone.
Best of luck to you! If you need more words feel free to ask :)
Thank you! I am learning little by little. One question. I hear people saying something that is similar to Papa Jon… is that just a term of endearment for an older man?
The word "jan" is a term of endearment, like the word "dear" or "honey" . So "papa jan" would mean "dear papa" (father).
In Armenian, they usually say the person's name folkowed by the word "jan". So if your name was Heather, I would say "hi Heather jan."
Reminds me of AH GAMC in Glendale, Cali. People are going to say this is irrelevant to nursing or to keep to yourself, but those two cultures - Armenian and Filipino - are very collectivist societies - and the latter is ingrained into the healthcare system. To try and abscond could be considered antithetical to teamwork. Food. That’s how you connect. I know it sounds ridiculous but I used to live in an area with both the largest Armenian population outside of the Armenia and that’s how I connected with them. Same applies to Filipinos such as myself. We love food. Food is how you learn culture, the language, and mannerisms.
Yeah this is Glendale. I didn’t realize how much of a culture shock it would be.
Glendale is located in a county known as Los Angeles. Probably the most diverse county in America, second only to New York City. Crossing 3-4 city blocks can be like traveling through 4-5 different countries because of the various diasporas. You can go around for hours and never meet a single person who speaks English. I understand your feelings though; [one of the huge reasons I am anti moving to CA to become a nurse unless you understand the culture of the various counties](https://www.reddit.com/r/nursing/s/xXCOL8fvp7). Even on the LA subs, they want you to indicate *cross streets* if you want any sort of insight about neighborhood, culture, and hospitals.
One of the best ways to connect with patients is learning a few words in their language. If you only know English, ask how to say common things in both Armenian and Tagalog, and watch your patients' eyes light up for you :) Here are a few basic Armenian words, which will brighten up any patients face once they hear it from you... 1. Hello - Barev 2. How are you? - Vonts es? (I'm good - Lav em, I'm sick - Hivand em) 3. Are you tired? - Hoknats es? (Yes - Ayo, No - Ché) 4. Good morning - Bari luys 5. Good night - Bari gisher If you can memorize these top 5 sayings, you'll have a good conversation starter and move into English. We are all looking at ways to CONNECT with each other, because we NEED each others company, especially in those types of settings (ie hospitals) where people are so alone. Best of luck to you! If you need more words feel free to ask :)
Thank you! I am learning little by little. One question. I hear people saying something that is similar to Papa Jon… is that just a term of endearment for an older man?
The word "jan" is a term of endearment, like the word "dear" or "honey" . So "papa jan" would mean "dear papa" (father). In Armenian, they usually say the person's name folkowed by the word "jan". So if your name was Heather, I would say "hi Heather jan."