What nationality are you?
Serbian
Top 3 favorite ethnic foods
Cevapi - Serbain Sausages
Sarma - Cabbage bowl with rice and meat inside
Burek - Pastry with cheese or spinach
When did your family move to America?
Her parents moved in 1991
Why did you move to the U.S.?
They moved because of the opportunities offered in the United States
What have people assumed about you based on your heritage?
Many people assume that the Serbian language is similar to Russian.
People think that she is from Serbia and lived there.
Have you ever been treated poorly because of your ethnicity/race/beliefs?
Never
What language do you speak at home?
Serbian, however there are two versions of Serbain - Latin and Serillic
Do you have certain rules that are odd to others?
No - Serbains have less rules, people consider her traditions crazy because there are not many rules
Is there a typical style of dress?
Serbain folk dances for females include patterned dress and white shirt, other than that, there is no special clothing
Have you ever visited your native country, if so did you feel more welcomed?
Yes, due to her family and friends nearby, she feels welcomed in both countries. She goes to see her grandpa, cousins, aunt/uncle and other relatives.
Are there any special traditions?
The traditions are very seperate among the families, there are definitely some in Serbia
Slava - is a large gathering that was mentioned in the Bosnian interview, it is the only tradition that is really kept in America in her family.
What is your opinion towards your culture?
It is very festive and chaotic
Gatherings are always fun and good vibes
How do you think people view your culture?
Her friends think it is very crazy, fun and festive.
What cultures are like your own?
Bosnian, Croatian, Macedonia
Do you know another language other than the one spoken at home?
If so, does learning this language come easier to you?
Spanish
Yes, there are similar words, overall it helps her learn the language
Were you/your family affected in any war or deep hatred?
There was a war for freedom when her mom got her green card
America bombed Serbia, causing chaos
How do you represent your culture?
By participating in the dance, Kolo.
How does corona affect your culture?
Many festive events were cancelled, for example, several Slava’s and Serbian’s Easter
Due to this pandemic she unfortunatly can't visit her Serbian friends
Do you have anything to add?
She wishes more people recognize Serbia
First of all it is top in sports and most people don’t even know about it
Sports is heavily involved