Author Archives: Rae

Research Blog 4: Getting comfortable with differences

Leave a reply

Last night I participated in an interesting discussion presented by Sietar BC on the intercultural aspects of hosting events such as the Olympics, Paralympics, and Commonwealth Games.  I was struck by how language and perspective shifted in the conversation, depending on whether we were talking about the process of putting on the Games  — or the intended outcome of the Games.

When discussing process we talked more about cultural differences – how the cultural orientation of staff working at the Games can affect how the work gets done, as an example.  When discussing outcome, we talked more about cultural connection – how bringing people together creates a spirit of commonality that speaks to the essence of the event.  While those conversation threads can seem almost contradictory when viewed separately, together they represent the larger whole that intercultural communication looks to embody.

That discussion led me to think about Multiculturalism at 40 and what I am asking people to do: write about a personal experience observing cultural difference in their everyday lives.  It’s not a topic that rests comfortably with everyone. I know in speaking about the project, I’ve occasionally had the feeling that multiculturalism in Canada is on that list of topics that people feel they “shouldn’t” talk about. I also admit I’ve had moments when the notion of focusing on differences has made me feel uncomfortable.  What makes us nervous?

If I go back to the evening with Sietar BC, there is something in the duality of that conversation that is important to realize.  We know that an awareness and openness to different ways of seeing, and being in the world is one way to foster greater connection.  Perhaps in our everyday lives, though, we fear that the process of discussing differences won’t be perceived as supporting an outcome of greater understanding – or will become disconnected from it.  If we can find more ways to keep  the discussion process and that intended outcome framed together perhaps we’ll grow more confident about the conversation as a whole.  And from the stories submitted to this project so far I can see there is such a range of human experience to be explored that is variously thoughtful, startling, joyful, challenging, amusing and inspiring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s In A Cloud?

MC40_CloudsRecently, a friend, a Chinese Canadian living in Canada over 10 years, drove me along the way from the downtown Victoria to Colwood at the sunset. A glance of the clouds ahead led me to take one snapshot of cloud picture with my mobile.  The clouds in the early evening are in Chinese ink art.  This time they made an “inky” painting in a night color, reminding me of Chinese art inspiration and beauty:  a freehanded piece full of imaginary images: mountains afar, trees, figures, flowers or various animals … with some huge blank spaces here or there that any stories of yours can tell.         – Laura in Victoria

Not Too Direct, Eh?

Orange Maple LeafOriginally I am from Salzburg, Austria. Since I have lived abroad for the last few years I am used to interacting with different ethnic groups.

What I am not used to though is that most people seem very friendly and I am certain there are a lot that are. But what I am missing is honesty. If there is something someone doesn’t like then just say it, there is nothing bad about that. But even at work when I have to write an email I am not allowed to just say no. They tell me to sugar coat it and not say it direct!!!

That is something that is very hard for me because I am used to saying it direct.  That is the biggest difference for me between the Canadian culture and my culture.

- Kathi in Vancouver

Original submission in German

Ich komme urspruenglich aus Salzburg, Oesterreich. Da ich schon einige Jahre im Ausland lebe bin ich es gewohnt mit verschiedenen ethnischen Gruppen zusammenzuleben. Continue reading →

A Snapshot of Three Generations

MC40_wong_kidsMy dad was born and raised in Jamaica. He came to Vancouver as a student and there he met my mom, a girl from Oakville, Ontario whose parents had emigrated from Scotland and who was also a student. One thing led to another and, as they completed their studies they planned their wedding. I still cannot fathom that mom’s parents refused to attend her wedding because she was marrying this dark skinned guy. Continue reading →

Research Blog 3: Train Talk

Leave a reply

During the big snowstorm that hit Ontario and east a few weeks ago, I happened to be travelling by train between Toronto and Ottawa.  Standing in line before boarding and listening to the chatter among strangers, I could hear the default Canadian conversation starters – speculation about the weather, and the question “where you from?”

The second one caught my attention because I know that being asked that question often comes with the inference that you’ve somehow failed to appear as though you’re from “here.” Explaining yourself can get old pretty quickly, especially if you have the sense you’re always being singled out for the question.  Without that additional freight though, it’s a question that I think is often used in much the same way as talk about the weather.  It’s a way to make a connection.  As a nation of travellers and people “from-away,” most of us are from somewhere else, even if it’s just the other side of the province or territory, or the other end of the country.

I offer up this small observation to all those who get asked the question more often than they should.  In a strange way, perhaps it’s a badge of inclusion.  You’ve been asked the second most common Canadian question. A complaint about the weather can’t be far behind.

Research Blog 2, Give Us a Sign

Leave a reply

January 31, 2013

I’ve received some great early feedback from visitors and those who’ve submitted stories.  The two column format on the front page was a challenge for the translation of languages that read from right to left, as the software switches the columns as well.  So I now have the front page copy repeated in one column under the translation tab.  But that creates another issue.  If English isn’t your first language and there’s a tab that says “translation” it may not mean very much.  I know this from being on Chinese language websites that had English translation, if only I’d known how to get there.

This seemed as good a time as any to go looking for an international symbol that stands for translation or interpretation.  Couldn’t find one – although individual countries such as Australia have taken the initiative to come up with their own.  I’m going to do the same – and create one for the site.  In the global village, don’t you think it would be great to have a universal sign for multiple languages offered?   If I’m missing something – and one already exists, I’d love to hear about it.