Cultural Connections
Cultural Connections are the resources that American families found to give their Chinese children exposure to Chinese culture, language, history, cooking, celebrations and life style. These are the visible and obvious parts of culture that come to mind easily. As this image shows, they are just the tip of the iceberg.
Language schools were one of the first resources that adoptive families for their Chinese children. Language is one of the most direct ways of connecting with a different culture.
Culture camps were a common way for Chinese adoptees to be exposed to important parts of culture and connect with other adoptees.
Chinese celebrations were a natural and fun way for adoptive families to connect with Chinese culture. Local groups often held their own celebrations or joined up with Chinese schools or groups.
Children's books starting coming out soon after the first adoptions from China. They cover many aspects of adoption, families, and Chinese culture.
Who Am I Now? Chinese Adoptees and Cultural Identity
Doryana X. Robins