I've gone through the same dilemma and that's partly why I got an East Asian Studies minor. Prior to university I knew almost nothing about the history of China/HK, even though I was familiar enough with the popular culture. I have also had trouble identifying as a visible minority or a person of colour, because we live in such a diverse area and Richmond Hill/Markville is like a second Asia lol But once I move beyond Toronto I encountered the same thing you did - identifying as Canadian doesn't always mean I'll be treated as a Canadian in this country. So it IS important to be aware of your cultural roots and history, especially since as a community, our history here is so short. And it's not as if future Chinese-Canadian generations will learn it in school, you know?
I can read Chinese but my writing is awful. Terrrible. But I must say, I'm glad I kept up my reading - you won't regret it! You know how I practiced reading? My sister loved to sing k (all chinese songs) and I had to learn all the words to sing with her haha
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But once I move beyond Toronto I encountered the same thing you did - identifying as Canadian doesn't always mean I'll be treated as a Canadian in this country. So it IS important to be aware of your cultural roots and history, especially since as a community, our history here is so short. And it's not as if future Chinese-Canadian generations will learn it in school, you know?
Best of luck with your endeavour! :)
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I can read Chinese but my writing is awful. Terrrible. But I must say, I'm glad I kept up my reading - you won't regret it! You know how I practiced reading? My sister loved to sing k (all chinese songs) and I had to learn all the words to sing with her haha
GOOD LUCK! Let's have full convos in canto :)
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