Ethnic identity and language maintenance, a case study of third generation Japanese-Canadians in Toronto

grantor: University of TorontoThe purpose of this study is to explore issues about third generation Japanese-Canadian (Sansei) ethnic identity and language maintenance through an interactive collaborative interview process. "The Canadian Ethnocultural Questionnaire" (Feuerverger, 1991) was used as a vehicle for discussion. The salient themes that emerged are: (1) A pattern towards assimilation into the mainstream society; a rupture between Nisei and Sansei regarding the transmission of Japanese culture and language; (2) Ethnic rediscovery as a result of pride in the fact that Japan is a more powerful economic force in the world; (3) A problematic and ambivalent relationship to ethnic language maintenance; (4) Lack of community cohesiveness; high intermarriage rate; (5) A relationship between the psychological consequences of the war experience of Nisei and a weakening of ethnic identity; (6) A perception that Japanese Language School has little status. Sansei perceive that their Japanese identity does not necessarily depend on language ' per se'. Rather, it depends more on their individual choices, learning opportunities at home and in society.M.A