Cultural difference between Argentina and Germany

ARGENTINA: GERMAN INFLUENCEIN THE CULTUREMaria Belen Petruolo LoboSummaryINTRODUCTION. (3)PURPOSE OF THE PAPER (3)1.ARGENTINA (4)2.IMPACT OF IMMIGRATION (5)1)Ties between Germany and Argentina (5)3.CULTURE OF ARGENTINA (8)Popular culture (8)Nationals Holidays (11)CONCLUSION. (13)Bibliografía (14)INTRODUCTION.Migration has become an increasingly important phenomenon for societies. Patterns of migration flows can change greatly over time, with the size and composition of migrant populations reflecting both current and historical patterns of migration flows. (Euroestat, 2011)Argentina has been an attractive destination for migration. Migratory movements have influenced and shaped the argentine society historically, and continue to do so today (Benencia, 2012). Thanks to the migrations flow over the past century’s Argentina and Germany had close ties to each other. Germans who emigrated directly from Germany were assimilated with the upper middle class of Buenos Aires, but maintained strong ties to German culture providing high-quality German instruction so that their children would not be at a disadvantage when they returned to Germany (Wikipedia,The Free Encyclopedia, 2014). At the early 21 century this situation was possible thanks to severe economic crisis in 2001-02, when a considerable among of European descendents decided to return to their grandfather’s land.PURPOSE OF THE PAPERThe main aim of this paper is explain, the influence of Germany in Argentine, the closed ties between both countries and the Argentine culture. Therefore is necessary to introduce Argentina, the influence of the immigration focused on the German immigration and give an overview of the argentine culture.1. ARGENTINAAccording to (Rock, 1987) “ The name Argentina is derived from Latin argentum ("silver", plata in Spanish), a noun associated with the silver mountains legend, widespread among the first European explorers of the La Plata Basin”.The Argentine Republic is a federal republic located in South America. With a mainland area of 2,780,400 km2 (Censos., 2010), Argentina is the eight- largest country in the word, the second in Latin America and the largest Spanish-speaking one. It is bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay to the north; Brazil to the northeast; Uruguay and the South Atlantic Ocean to the east; Chile to the west.Argentina’s geography varies considerably, from its ex tensive grasslands in the east to the impressive Andes mountain range in the west, where the Aconcagua (6957km), the highest summit in the western hemisphere, soars upwards. From Jujuy to Tierra del Fuego, the Andes offer a great variety of landscapes: from the high tableland in the northeast-dessert, with valleys, ravines and multicolored mountains-to the lakes, forest and glaciers regions in the Patagonia. To the north, The Argentina Mesopotamia, located between the Parana and Uruguay rivers, is an area of low hills. The Iguazu Falls, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the word are in the midst of the subtropical forest. The country’s central region is where the most well-know and extensive grasslands (Nacion.).Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base (DC: Central Intelligence Agency, 2013 ).2. IMPACT OF IMMIGRATIONUpon the independence of Argentina, the newborn country had a large territory but was thinly populated, and like the other Latin American countries, the ethnic composition was largely the same from the colonial-era that lasted from 16th to early 19th centuries. Then, in the mid-19th century, a large wave of immigration started to arrive to the country due to newly established Constitutional policies that encouraged immigration, and due to issues in the Old World such as wars, poverty, hunger, social unrest and pursuit for opportunities or a better life in the New World. This immigration was mostly from Europe but also from the Arab world, Russia and Japan (Sanchez-Alonso).Most Argentines are descendants of the 19th and 20th century immigrants, with about 97% of the population being of European, or of partial European descent (Word ).Arab descent is also significant (mostly of Syrian and Lebanese origin), and the Jewish population is the biggest in all Latin America (7th in the world). Mestizo population in Argentina, unlike in other Latin American countries, is very low, as is the Black population after being decimated by diseases and wars in the 19th century, though since the 1990s a new wave of Black immigration is arriving. (DC: Central Intelligence Agency, 2013 ).1) Ties between Germany and ArgentinaMigration to and from Germany has a long history. There is also a long tradition of emigration from Germany: in smaller numbers during times of prosperity, in greater numbers during times of economic depression or political instability. One example is the emigration in the 19th century hundreds of thousands who left misery and poverty in Germany to seek new lives in Russia, South America, Canada and the United States. (Interior, 2014).Argentina and Germany had close ties to each other since the immigration of Germans to Argentina.Between 1885 and the First World War the population ofArgentina doubled with the influx of three million European immigrants, 100,000 of whom spoke German. (Wikipedia,The Free Encyclopedia, 2014)A flourishing trade developed between Germany and Argentina as early as the German Unification, Germany had a privileged position in the Argentine economy. Later on, Argentina maintained a strong economic relationship with both Germany and Great Britain and supported them with supplies during World War I (Wikipedia,The Free Encyclopedia, 2014).The military connection between Argentina and Prussia has often been emphasized, and there can be no doubt that sympathy for Germany among the general staff in Buenos Aires contributed to establishing Argentina's policy of neutrality during the two world wars (Wikipedia,The Free Encyclopedia, 2014).After World War II, under Juan Perón's government, Argentina participated in establishing and facilitating secret escape routes out of Germany to South America for ex-SS officials (referred as ODESSA network).Former Nazi officials Immigrated to Argentina in order to prevent prosecution, some of them lived in Argentina under their real names while others clandestinely obtained new identities. (Goñi, 2002)During the temporary Argentinean Occupation of the Falklands in 1982, Argentina was prepared to remove its troops if they could be replaced by "neutral" ones. Their suggestion was that the USA could represent Britain while Germany would do so for Argentina, however Germany and the rest of the European Union, fully recognize fellow EU state the United Kingdom as the rightful owners of the islands and refuse to recognize the Argentine claim. (Wikipedia,The Free Encyclopedia, 2014).Argentina was benefited and influenced by the arrived of a big wave of professional Germans immigrant, most of them dedicated to Science. Germans scientist influenced the education in Argentina. They found centers of study and most of them turned into university teachers. Engineers, architects conducted many public works, ports, bridges, temples, schools, etc. One of the most important symbols of the city of Buenos “El obelico” was designed by architectAlberto Prebisch, an Argentine of German descent, and was built by the German company Siemens GEOPE- Bauunion - Grün & Bilfinger. Another example is The Mercado de Frutos de Avellaneda (152,000 meters square), the largest wool-stock of the world, was built by a German.The influence of German culture has also impacted Argentine cuisine; this trend is especially apparent in the field of desserts. The pastries known as facturas are Germanic in origin: croissants, known as medialunas("half-moons", from German "Halbmond"), are the most popular of these, and can be found in two varieties: butter- and lard-based. Also German in origin are the "Berliner" known as bolas de Fraile("friar's balls"), and the rolls called piononos. The facturas were re-christened with local names given the difficult phonology of German, and usually Argentinized by the addition of a dulce de leche filling. That was also the case of the "Kreppel", which are called torta fritas in Argentina, and were introduced by German immigrants, and similar case with the "Achtzig Schlag" cake, which was translated as Torta Ochenta Golpes in the country. In addition, dishes like chucrut (sauerkraut) and many different kinds of sausage like bratwurst and others have also made it into mainstream Argentine cuisine (Wikipedia,The Free Encyclopedia, 2014)Today, most German Argentines do not speak German at home because of the decline of the language; however, some estimates suggest that 1.8 million Argentines of non-German descent have some knowledge of German. It is a language that can be heard all over the country, and this is partly maintained by the continued existence of German-speaking Argentines and some business connections. It is currently the fifth most spoken language in Argentina (DC: Central Intelligence Agency, 2013 )3. CULTURE OF ARGENTINAThe culture of Argentina is as varied as the country's geography and is composed of a mix of ethnic groups. Argentine writer Ernesto Sabato has reflected on the nature of the culture of Argentina as follows “With the primitive Hispanic American reality fractured in La Plata Basin due to immigration, its inhabitants have come to be somewhat dual with all the dangers but also with all the advantages of that condition: because of our European roots, we deeply link the nation with the enduring values of the Old World; because of our condition of Americans we link ourselves to the rest of the continent, through the folklore of the interior and the old Castilian that unifies us, feeling somehow the vocation of the Patria Grande San Martín and Bolívar once imagined” (Sabato, 1976).Popular cultureOne of the Characteristics of the Argentine culture is the National identity. The Argentine flag, the national anthem, and the escarapela (a small ribbon or bow worn on patriotic occasions) are the objects of officially prescribed rituals that must be followed by the population at the risk of serious sanctions. (Advameg, Inc., 2014)The development of a National Identity started with the Peronism, an Argentine political movement based on the legacy of former President Juan Domingo Perón. Perón was often compared to fascist dictators, accused of demagoguery, and his policies derided as populist. (Wikipedia,The Free Encyclopedia, 2014). The ideology of the legacy of Peron is often compared to the ideology of Nationalism in Germany. (Wikipedia,The Free Encyclopedia, 2014)The educational system played an important role in incorporating a national identity into the nation. Despite regional and class differences, state institutions were quite successful in developing nationalist feelings. (Advameg, Inc., 2014).The population at large feels very strongly about these symbols: they display flags when the country is participating in world soccer cup matches or in war. At a popular level, large drums are always also present at any massive demonstration (Advameg, Inc., 2014).Argentineans' most famous symbols are Football and Tango, but they are not the only ones, food is also a powerful cultural symbol.A. TangoTango refers to the music, the lyrics, and the dance itself and is a complex urban product that originated in lower-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires city. The music, its lyrics, and the dance represent the profound transformation of the urban landscape at the beginning of the twentieth century, with the influx of diverse European immigrants. Tango was also a moral threat. The sensuality of the dance and the lyrics emphasizing lowlife values and language challenged bourgeois morality and dominant views on appropriate female behavior (Advameg, Inc., 2014).B. FootballFootball is Argentina's most popular sport, the one with the most players and is the most popular recreational sport, played from childhood into old age (INDEC, 2000)Football plays an important part in the life of many Argentines. Even those supporters who usually do not attend the matches watch them on television and comment on them the next day with friends and co-workers. When the Argentina national football team plays (especially during world cup matches), streets tend to look completely deserted as everyone is watching the match. After the victories in 1978 FIFA World Cup and 1986 FIFA World Cup, streets were flooded with people celebrating the championship, making it impossible not to become part of the celebration (Wikipedia,The Free Encyclopedia, 2014).It was in 1986 when the figure of Diego Maradona exploded, becoming an icon not only of Argentine football but of football itself. In Argentina, Maradonabecame something resemblant of a god, admired by fans of every club (Wikipedia,The Free Encyclopedia, 2014).Argentine fans are not allowed to travel to see their teams in away matches, as they have been banned since 2013 (Wikipedia,The Free Encyclopedia, 2014).There are many local rivalries in Argentine football. The most important is the Superderby, which is contested between Argentina's two most popular and successful teams, Buenos Aires rivals River Plate and Boca Juniors. The English newspaper The Observer put the Superclásico at the top of their list of "The 50 Sporting Things You Must Do Before You Die".(50 sporting things you must do before you die, 20004)C. .FoodArgentine asado, a barbecue that is part of the gaucho heritage, is still one of the most important meals in the Argentine diet. Like football, it is a strongly gendered cultural symbol, associated with manliness. Shopping for beef, sausages, and other animal parts that go into a barbecue, as well as the cooking itself, is a male activity (Advameg, Inc., 2014). Asados are an important part of Argentine socializing on any occasion. The Argentine barbecue asado, includes suculent types of meat, among them chorizo, sweetbread, chitterlings, and morcilla (blood sausage). Thin sandwiches, known as sandwiches de miga, are also popular. Argentines have the highest consumption of red meat in the world (Steiger, 2010).D. MateMate drinking is also seen as a feature of the cultura rioplatense. Mate refers both to the container where a popular infusion is prepared and to the drink itself. The container might be simply made out of a gourd or might be carefully crafted in silver or other metals. It is drunk with a special metal straw with holes in one end to filter leaves. The slightly stimulating infusion is made with leaves from the Yerba mate plant which is cultivated in northeast Argentina. (Advameg, Inc., 2014).Mate is not just a drink, for the Argentines means unity, friendship, family. The Argentines spend hours drinking mate, but it is not the drink what matters, is the conversation and the time you spend with the ones you love.E. EtiquetteBoth men and women greet each other by kissing on the cheek (Wikipedia,The Free Encyclopedia, 2014). In very formal encounters men and women shake hands the opposite Germany where shaking-hands is the common. They like to do so both when arriving and when departing (Young Germany ). Germans shake hands with everyone upon entering a room, including children.People address each other with the colloquial form vos (singular "you," equivalent to tu in other Spanish speaking countries). To convey social distance, people employ the more formal usted (to talk to elders).In Germany the common is address each others with the person's title and surname until invited to use their first name.In Germany Social physical distance is common and a sign of respect. Argentines might touch each other when talking and might feel awkward when people of other countries, as Germans, reject physical proximity and contact. Women and men gaze at each other, and it is still quite common that men use piropos (flirtateous remarks) when a woman walks by.Nationals Holidays.Another important factor in Argentina is “Las fiestas patria”. The Patriotic Holidays are festivities held in Latin America to commemorate the founding of the national states as countries independent of Spain (Wikipedia,The Free Encyclopedia, 2014).Historic holidays include the celebration of the May Revolution (25 May), Independence Day (9 July) and the National Flag Day (20 June).a) May Revolution: is a public holiday of Argentina, commemoratingthe May Revolution and the creation on May 25, 1810 of the PrimeraJunta, which is considered the first patriotic government of Argentina (Wikipedia,The Free Encyclopedia, 2014).b) Independence Day: is an annual event commemorating theindependence of Argentina from Spain. The day that Argentina becomesa country (Wikipedia,The Free Encyclopedia, 2014).c) Anniversary of the death of Manuel Belgrano, who created the Flag ofArgentina (Wikipedia,The Free Encyclopedia, 2014).These are the three most important festivities in Argentina. In general people celebrated this day with the Family and most of the Schools do special activities with the kid and the parents.In The past this festivities were really important for the society but nowadays this traditions are starting to lose importance. Most of these festivities are being replaced for foreign festivities as Halloween, carnival etc…CONCLUSION.Argentines have a feeling of belonging for Europe and for the main cultures that made of Argentina. Argentines feel connected to Germany, Spain, and Italy etc… because those countries helped to built Argentina, and thanks to them and to its influence the Argentine culture is so special. Despite the fact of being a mix of different cultures Argentina has development its own and unique identity.This paper demonstrated that Argentina has been influenced in various ways for Germany. German influenced the society in ways that maybe are not easy to see in the eye, you just may see a building in the middle of Buenos Aires, eat a “medialuna” in a small town in the middle of la Pampa or even visit a Town in Cordoba where just Germans are allow, all of those are little und unnoticed details that show that we argentines are sons of Germany. Despite the facts that Germany has been present almost since the beginning in Argentine, both countries have grown significant apart. Nowadays Germany and Argentina just share economics und business ties.In the past are the days were Germans went to Argentina searching for a new beginning, now and as a result of economic crisis, Argentines are coming back to Europe.Argentines have returned to their ancestors land, and time will prove of this new flow of migration will have influence over the German society and if the Argentines will help with the year to transform the German culture like the Germans did in Argentina centuries ago.Bibliografía(n.d.).50 sporting things you must do before you die. (20004). The Observer.Abad de Santillán, D. (1971). Historia Argentina. Buenos Aires: Tipográfica Editora Argentina.Advameg, Inc. (2014). Countries and their cultures . Retrieved from/A-Bo/Argentina.htmlBecoming a serious country. (June, 2014). The Economist.Benencia, R. (2012). Perfil Migratorio. Buenos Aires : Organización Internacional para las Migraciones.Bolt, J., & Van Zanden, J. L. (2013). 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