Cultural patterns of South Asian and Southeast Asian Americans

An overview of South Asian and Southeast Asian Americans is discussed to aid teachers in understanding some behaviors exhibited by students from these diverse backgrounds. Although there are some similarities in cultural practices among the vast Asian ethnic groups, Asians do not fall into one homogeneous group. The value of honoring the family is very strongly ingrained in South Asian and Southeast Asian children; therefore, discussing any personal problems with an outsider is regarded as a disgrace to the family. Implications for teaching based on cultural practices are outlined.