There are many differences between Kazakh and American culture, many of which are confirmed by the stares and attention my fellow American students and I receive daily. Still, we are learning more about Kazakh cultural and societal norms the longer we stay here and we are further integrating into the community.
The first thing that immediately set us apart, since before even stepping foot in Kazakhstan, was our behavior. We felt eyes on us since we boarded the plane from Frankfurt, Germany to Almaty, Kazakhstan. From previous travels I witnessed first-hand that the “loud American” stereotype is legitimate and supported. Whenever I am in a group with other Americans in a foreign country, we are almost always the loudest people on the street, bus or subway, including when we are actively trying to keep our voices down.
Another difference I am still getting used to is the general demeanor around Almaty. At home I laugh loudly and smile often, even if I am walking alone. In Kazakhstan, smiling too much can be interpreted as a sign of stupidity or sexual attraction, neither of which I generally want to convey. Laughing loudly in public seems to also be out of place. One afternoon a man stopped my friends and I to ask what we were laughing about.
