I love my parents. I love how they dote on me (and my sibblings) with wisdom. It used be completed by amazing rollage of eyes on our behalf. But why not learn, be a good grasshopper, and save some wear and tear on those lovely eyes? I’ve learned how my fellow ethnics have grown to embrace their heritage, even if they’ve been hugely anti-[fill in said ethnicity] in the past. Well, we’ve at least learned to deal with it, and perhaps to make the most from being a “hyphenated Canadian”, since that’s a good part of what it means to be Canadian, right? (I meant “, eh”)
In light of the Year of the Monkey coming this Thursday, here’s some advice dispensed:
Just a little request for living a Chinese-Canadian (double-faced (???)) family life or dealing with oriental parents/families:
1) When writing, letter or email, or conversing, always start with the salutation of the person.
2) Especially when requesting favours, starting with the salutation is a MUST, e.g. Gong-gong, qing ni bang wo (please help me)……; Ma, can you please find the book for me……
3) Never use “you” when talking/conversing to/with senior, e.g. Gong-gong, hou! (How are you!)
4) Before meals, if a senior is around, even if she/he is not at the table, always SHOUT out, Gong gong, Qing lai chi (please/let’s eat).
5) Smile and say hallo to parents’ friends.
In Chinese way of life (at least it has been my experience), politeness AND respect to seniors always bring BLESSINGS.
Hope we all continue to learn.