sophresearch

Dear All,

I am currently a second-year geography undergraduate at Cambridge University in the UK. I am coming over to Hong Kong in August, in order to conduct research for my final year dissertation. I am intending to focus my research on expatriates in Hong Kong, looking at the ways in which national identity is retained, both at home and in social groups etc.

I am attempting to find out whether the importance of a national identity is gradually being diminished for those living and working away from their country of origin, or whether nationality remains a central part of people’s daily lives.

I was just wondering if I could get some initial thoughts on this, so I can think about how I will structure my ideas and research.
As an expat, do you consider yourself to be a ‘global citizen’ or ‘global nomad’? Or do you consider that your distinct national identity remains important whilst living in a different country?

How is your nationality reinforced in your daily life? (i.e. through your social activities, the friends you have, the food you eat?) Do you socialise mostly with people of your own nationality?

Thank you very much for your help! It would be very useful to get a few ideas of the directions my research might take.

bakedbean

Hi Soph, best of luck with your final year. I'm not in Hong Kong but I am a British Expat and have been so for nearly 6 years.

IMHO I think that nationality remains a strong part of life. I will always be British and I think I retain most of my "Britishness" but I am Expat (a permanent tourist) and I find I don't always relate very well to issues that my friends back in ol' Blighty talk about. I think that's just a case that I've been away from the UK for 6 years.

Do I socialize mostly with Brits? No. In Penang, Malaysia, there are many nationalities here. I mix with those that I get on with - nationality doesn't come into it at all. I probably socialize more with other Expats but it's really across the board - all different races, religions and nationalities.

penguinsix

One 'issue' in Hong Kong is the number of transient expats. Many come over for a specific period of time, say 3-5 years on a contract from a bank or something. Others have been here since before the handover.

I think you'll find different results from the different groups. The former are temporarily displaced Brits who may still have a home back in the UK and plans for the kids to return to school. The latter have cut those ties and know that this may be the place for them for the next 20 or 30 years.

Not sure how the number of transient expats correlates to other British enclaves around the world. I would imagine it is a bit higher than say Australia.

PeteinHongKong

Hello Soph, I would be happy to help you with your study. I work in a university in Hong Kong and have been here for almost 30 years. You are welcome to contact me. Pete

sophresearch

Thanks for your help bakedbean and penguin six!

sophresearch

and thanks Pete! Apparently I have to have posted 3 times on the forum for me to be able to send private messages, so hopefully this works and I will be able to pm you now.

PeteinHongKong

Ok, same for me as a new member so I think I will be able to receive your message now.