One thing I forgot to mention in my blog and the meeting was that I got to talk to quite a few new immigrants to Shanghai (Americans, Canadians, Japanese, and so on) and observe how they are treated when I was there. I got a validation of how foreigners/new comers are more welcomed in Asia than vice versa (language and attitude-wise).
If you look Caucasian and walk into a restaurant in Shanghai, you'd be greeted with English and be treated equally as the Chinese if not more friendly. Even though menus with English translation usually don't make much sense and filled with typos most of the time, it's nice to know that they make an effort to welcome the foreigners who don't understand the language. Even cabs in Shanghai have an automated recording greeting in English for foreigners to feel like home and ease them into the new environment. Annoucements in the Metro system is also broadcasted in English following the Chinese.
I'm aware of the fact that Canada is made of verious ethnic groups and it's hard to introduce an official second languge in the public system to help the new comers. The general attitude though towards new immigrants is just quite the opposite from what I usually realize in Asia countries I've been to and grew up in (Taiwan)...
What are your thoughts? Have you come across similar experiences?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I remember hearing Cindy Lu's immigration story. It's pretty surprising, if not appalling, especially how she got her name. I don't know how hard she is to track down, but I think she's definitely worth talking to about her story at least.
I'll be talking to her soon. thanks, g!
Post a Comment