Photo by Doug Koontz Catherine Wipf, right, who came to the United States from Burma, talks about her experiences. Other members of the panel listen during Centro Hispano of Frederick’s cutural communications workshop at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Friday, more than 70 people from local advocacy and civic groups met at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church's community center building for Centro Hispano of Frederick's second annual cultural communications workshop.

Centro Hispano is a nonprofit group that helps educate local immigrants about U.S. customs and culture, said president Jeanie Cronin.

A multinational panel of immigrants from the local community described some of the cultural nuances from their respective countries, and how those nuances have affected their lives in Frederick.

Catherine Wipf, a presenter from Burma, talked about the history of struggles for a democracy in her homeland, Buddhist coming-of-age traditions and the role of the father in Burmese families.

Wipf, who worked for the British embassy in Washington, said when she first came to the United States, she could not believe the number of automobiles in the streets. In Burma, few people have cars and the idea of driving frightened her.

Wipf said that she when she first arrived, she thought a great tragedy had taken place because no one smiled. A woman at her work even asked her why she smiled so much.

People are much more isolated from their families in this country, Wipf said, and even though her sister was with her, it was difficult to adjust.

Many of the presenters echoed Wipf's comments about the importance of tight-knit families.

Pei Pei Chien, who is originally from Taiwan, said when she first came, she couldn't believe that people didn't take off their shoes when entering a house.

On the other hand, Chinese people are used to being physically closer, which makes some Americans uncomfortable, though they don't hug or kiss as much in public, Chen said.

Chinese people also speak loud, and can ask direct questions, like the amount of a person's income, which is considered rude here, she said.

Chien also advised the audience that speaking slow and not using colloquial expressions can greatly facilitate a conversation with a Chinese immigrants, who are often eager to practice their English.

Elizabeth Villaus, who is from Ecuador, said she began speaking English for her job in a flower business in South America. When she moved to the United States, she was shocked by how intimidating speaking English every day could be.

Villaus said that after she overcame her insecurities, she took a job as a babysitter, eventually picking up the language through the children she watched.

Youngsook Kim, originally from South Korea, said she had a hard time when going to a hospital, where the administration asked her to sign a release form in a language she could not comprehend.

Kim's children also got into some trouble with local teachers when they refused to look them directly in the eyes.

A common practice here, in Korea looking an elder or respected figure in the eyes is considered rude, Kim said.

Cronin, who is from Nicaragua, said she first moved to Washington more than 20 years ago. When she lived there, being an immigrant was easy, because there were many of them.

When her family moved to Silver Spring, however, the other children in her class made fun of her accent. She watched TV, learned to mimic an American accent, and eventually made some friends.

After arriving in Frederick, Cronin said, she and her family faced big obstacles.

For example, neighbors would not allow their children to play with hers because they were "foreigners," she said.

Essentially, Cronin said, problems that arise between different cultures living together stem from misunderstandings. She hopes people can take the time to understand the immigrants now living in Frederick.

"It's all about learning," she said.