Quote:
Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction
It was a big part of my family life growing up. Most of my family still lives over there and we maintain close contact. My siblings are my only blood relatives here, aside from my daughter. We lived in a small remote rural area, so we weren't part of a larger expat community. We certainly didn't have cultural associations and institutions that bigger cities and larger immigrant ethnic communities in Canada have. As a Chinese Canadian, you are probably better to answer the question, but does a Chinese person moving to Canada having access to many of the cultural features from home, make it easier to identify as Canadian, or does it make it more difficult?
|
It's nice to hear that your family still stays in touch and are close. It's important and something many people don't have. As for new Chinese immigrants to Canada, based on what I've observed, identifying strongly as a Canadian eventually or less is really up to the individual and their circumstances. In large cities such as Vancouver/Toronto/Calgary new Chinese immigrants can go through all 365 days without needing to speak a word of English. They could also, on the flip side, barely speak a word of Chinese outside of their Chinese circle. While many are quick to judge those in the first scenario negatively, saying they should force themselves to integrate, there are other factors that may drive them to have a tougher time integrating such as personal factors, low confidence to learn a new language culture, certain family situations, etc. Those who don't integrate aren't arrogant snobs all the time here only to drain the country of what's there to offer yet provide nothing back in return.
The good thing about the large cities is that the paths are there and available to everyone.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction
With my family, it started off as a temporary asylum situation, so for years my parents didn't know if they were staying or not, so I think it prevented them from getting totally immersed and starting over as Canadians. I know the plan originally was to go back eventually if things were safe, but by the time they were, the ship kind of sailed.
|
I'm sorry to hear about your family's situation. Hopefully, things have ended up positive for them and your family overall in Canada. It's just my own opinion, but given your family sounds like they hold their roots and culture very close still to them today and as a result, you do as well, that part, at the very least is a positive outcome. I believe my life is a million times more rich and satisfying because I am so close to my ancestral roots, culture and customs when I look at other people I know who aren't.