LEXINGTON – Abdi Hashi is very polite. He is not, however, shy, softspoken, or reserved. During 75 minutes of interview time, he freely discussed politics, the media, and his personal history of fleeing war-ridden Somalia. Anyone curious about life as a new Somali resident in Lexington would do well to shake hands with this pleasant man.

Hashi is one of few Somalis in town who speaks highly proficient English, and as such, helps many community members with emergencies and daily necessities.

“I never knew the difficulty one can face if they don’t speak English,” Hashi said. “I went to school back home. I studied commercial banking.”

Hashi speaks Somali and English, and some Italian and Arabic, and is also familiar with an urban lifestyle. He grew up in Mogadishu amongst 1.5 million inhabitants.

Like many Somalis, the United States offered Hashi asylum after he had lived in several other nations. He fled Somalia to Kenya, and lived in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Germany before entering the US.

Prior to his arrival in Lexington on May 10, Denver was home to Hashi for eight years, and he worked for the State of Colorado in the department of personnel as an assistant.

“After being laid off in Denver, people here asked me to come,” he said. “Many older people need help, and a lot of young people don’t speak English. I’m helping with translation, with immigration, with paperwork, and with employment. Most of the people here are newcomers to Lexington.”

Every new immigrant population faces different challenges, including, most Anglo and European-Americans who immigrated to North America long ago.

“Imagine if someone sent you to China and you don’t speak Chinese and nobody speaks English. Think about this,” He said. “If you’re Mexican here, it’s easier to find another Mexican or Guatemalan supervisor who speaks your language. It’s very hard to find someone who speaks Somali.”

Hashi feels many Somalis have immense difficulties compared to other immigrant cultures in Lexington. Despite these differences Hashi looks forward to contributing to the Lexington community.

“I think we can make a beautiful city,” Hashi said of Lexington. “When I was traveling the world, what I learned was that the more the city is multicultural, it becomes beautiful, it attracts a lot of business, and a lot of different ideas. But we’re still new, most Somalis came here two or three years ago.

“Somali people are very family-oriented people, very friendly when you get used to us,” he continued. “We have a unique culture. We’re well known in Africa for being very hospitable people who like to help each other, and who like to help with their neighborhood. We are open to talk to each other anytime on any subject.”

Hashi plans on staying in Lexington longer-term if he can find part-time work and continue his community building efforts.

“People also have trouble understanding everything all at once,” Hashi said. “It’s a very different culture; they need someone to help explain insurance. For example, one lady faced an emergency, and the hospital sent her a collection notice, but she wasn’t able to read the notices. She came from a small village and didn’t understand why someone didn’t come to see her in person to collect the payment.”

Hashi said Somalis come here legally, allowed and invited by the United States and United Nations. Many choose Lexington and other rural Nebraska towns because of available jobs not found in metropolitan towns.

Hashi said knowing his community and neighbors is important.

“It’s a small town here, and it’s important for people to know each other,” he said. “Most Somalis are very laid-back and easy-going. We can lift a barrier if we make contact with each other.”

He also expressed an interest in more community-wide activities such as playing sports or opening a place that serves traditional Somali cuisine.

Even with the perceived cultural differences, some things hold true for anyone in the pursuit of happiness. The most important things in Hashi’s life are, “family, friends, health, and a good job, like everyone else. The meaning of life is to live a peaceful and happy life. I think that’s the main thing.”

Source: Lexington Clipper-Herald

By Erin Doty

Comments

comments