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A 'reality of return': the case of the Sarawakian-Chinese visiting China

  • Caroline Tie
    ,
  • Andrew Holden
    ,
  • Hyung yu Park
  • Middlesex University
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Abstract

Using an interpretive ethnographic framework, this paper focuses on how travel to the homeland informs the identity of the Sarawakian-Chinese, a diaspora that contains a composite of subcultures. The data collection is based upon 35 semi-structured interviews and participant observation of a SarawakianChinese tour group to China. Whilst emotional connections with China are universally signi�cant in constructing the diaspora's ethnic identity, the strength of association is influenced by characteristics of education, religion and language, as identity becomes re-de�ned and plural. The �ndings suggest that the influence of tourism to the homeland may not necessarily be signi�cant in enhancing emotional and cultural connections with China. Instead, ambivalent connections to homeland become established during tourism experiences. Visits to the homeland could play a signi�cant role in forging new and hybrid identities of ethnic communities outside the homeland, thereby bringing a new vital dimension to identity formation and communication of the Sarawakian-Chinese in the future.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Tourism Management (Volume 47, Issue 207)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 01/01/2015

Publication status

Published - 01/01/2015

ISSN

0261-5177

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/336231
  • Scopus: 84908179247

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