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| Steelband - T&T Toursim website |
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| Carnival - T&T Tourism website |
I get asked this almost every time I meet someone new. The answer, like the question, is not as straightforward as it seems.
When I get asked this question, the person is usually asking more than where I am from. They usually want to know about my ethnicity and heritage, in addition to where I was born. Why I speak the way I do, and in some cases, am I American/am I here legally?
For my friends, old and new who only have part of the answer, I'll try to answer the questions implicit in "Where are you from?" more completely. I've included a few photos from the T&T Tourism board website to give you a flavour of where I am from.
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| Cricket - T&T Tourism website |
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| Pigeon Point, Tobago - T&T Tourism website |
Where were you born?
I was born in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the West Indies (specifically Trinidad) and lived there until I was an adult, so culturally I am West Indian.My world view, my attitudes towards race, education, religion, gender and gender roles; the music I grew up with - the "essential me" are all informed by my having grown up West Indian. However, I am so "westernized" I think many of my friends may not realise this.
I should say that of the islands in the Caribbean, Trinidad is one of the most cosmopolitan, meaning I had a very diverse upbringing!
What is your ethnicity?
I am of East Indian descent, so my ancestors came to Trinidad from India as indentured labourers, so I look East Indian even if I don't sound like it. Although it is not uncommon for me to be mistaken for Hispanic. So I am a West Indian of East Indian descent - wrap your mind around that!It means I grew up watching Bollywood movies, I still put coconut oil in my hair, I watched American television mostly, and I enjoy a lot of "creole" food - and not the Louisiana kind, the West Indian kind - bake and buljol and callaloo.
But your English is so good!
Yes, yes it is. Trinidad is a British Commonwealth country, so I learnt and grew up speaking British English (it is why the spelling on my blog is sometimes odd), and I learnt to drive on the left-hand side of the road, with all the controls swapped around compared to cars in America.English is my native language and the official language of Trinidad and Tobago - so it better be good! But this is one other item that sometimes throws people off - how good my English is!
I should say though that when I am speaking with my Trinidadian family and friends, you may not understand me - I lapse into "Pigeon English" - which is not proper English, but has its own syntax.
Are you American?
Yes. I am a naturalized American. You can find me on Twitter @AustinTrini, and Instagram @ austintrini . Why use that handle? Why use a picture of the Trinidad and Tobago flag (fitted into the allocated space)? For now, it seems appropriate :It reminds me of who I am and where I came from
It reminds me of what I left behind to forge a life here with no family or friends besides my husband
It reminds me of the essential me, the culture, world view and diversity that my children will never have in spite of my efforts
It reminds me of the many opportunities and blessings I've had in my life both in Trinidad and now, here in America
It reminds me of the many opportunities and blessings my children will have because of my choices difficult though they may have been.
Go follow me on Twitter! @AustinTrini
Comments
Q - Where are you from?
A - I am from the Caribbean. - They reply "Ah from Jamaica."
Sigh..
No, I'm from Trinidad. My father arrived in Trinidad from China as a young adult and my mother was of mixed descent, probably 2nd/3rd generation Chinese living in Trinidad.
Q - Why don't you sound West Indian?
A - Living in the UK, I had to learn to speak slower so non-West Indians could understand me better. However, when I am with other West Indians you'd probably struggle to understand me.
Q - Do you speak Chinese? (Often asked when I go to a Chinese restaurant)
A - My parents occasionally spoke to me in Cantonese and I learnt a few phrases but the inflections were a bit "tainted" with a Trinidadian accent which can change the meaning of the words. So, I preferred not speak in Cantonese and sadly, now I can hardly remember any of it.
Q - Why did you leave the wonderful sunshine and beaches of the Caribbean to live in the cold, grey and damp UK?
A - Seeking more opportunities and a better way of life, probably following my father's footsteps. However, Trinidad will ALWAYS be HOME!
Comment - It is always interesting that people’s perception of the Caribbean is sun, beaches and an "easy carefree" life - rather than the reality of the people living full career/family driven lives like everywhere else in the world.
I struggle with the "Ethnic" box on forms and now it is even more complicated if I need to populate it for the kids... :-)
I am blessed to have grown up in Trinidad, cultural and ethnic diversity a true Callaloo!
As for being asked where I am from.....YES! All.the.time.
(1) The name- Liefen Su-Hovd.
Many times, it's an awkward pause because they are trying to sound it out. I used to help but now I just step back and let them try to accomplish it on their own. ;-) If over the phone, I am asked if I am Scandanavian. My smartass answer is usually, "would you like me to be?" Those who know me takes it in stride, for 98% of the time, I'm not ever serious. Those who don't just gets offended. If asked what the origin is, I will tell them that it's Chinese with a Swedish Last name. I've been asked if I'm sure because of the spelling of my first name isn't typical Chinese. No, I'm not sure that I'm Chinese. Really?
If in person, I often get asked how I am so "tall" or "oversized" or how my frame is so large. All these questions could be valid but sometimes, it's just tiring. I'm not a big girl but I guess I'm a big chinese girl. It was hard dating asian guys back in the days, esp since anyone taller happens to be related to me.
(2) Where's your Chinese accent?
Well, we immigrated to the states when I was 7- in second grade. I tried very hard and lost my chinese accent but gained a texas drawl instead (living in hicksville will do that to a Chinese). Then I had to learn to lose that next- lol. I can still pull out my Texas accent but I'm pretty bad at the Chinese one.
(3) Who do I belong to?
Ask the Chinese and I'm too Americanized. Ask the Americans and I'm too Asian. Will someone please claim me?!?!?
Funny story. Tor once had to interview immigrants in school. He was asking who do we know that are immigrants.....well hello!?!?!?! BOTH your parents? Kids!
my 2 cents.