Somewhere in between: Chinese identity and community in St. John's as seen through Chinese restaurants

Ye, Tanyan (2018) Somewhere in between: Chinese identity and community in St. John's as seen through Chinese restaurants. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This thesis investigates the Chinese community in Newfoundland and Labrador through the lens of Chinese restaurants in St. John’s. It employs interviews and participant observation to uncover how Chinese immigrants, as members of a minority group in a mostly white community, preserve and present their identity while negotiating their relationship with the majority society. The thesis outlines the development of the Chinese community, Chinese restaurants, and Chinese food in Newfoundland and Labrador. It explores the foodways of Chinese residents in St. John’s, particularly the debates over what constitutes “real” Chinese food, discusses the décor of Chinese restaurants, and examines the community events that Chinese restaurant owners are involved in. Based on this research, the thesis intends to shed light on how ethnic restaurants help to facilitate an ethnic group’s integration into a larger community. These locations of business and culture help individuals navigate their own ethnicity as well as contribute to intercultural communication and understanding.

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