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CHINESE FAMILY VALUES IN A SELECTION OF CHINESE-AMERICAN AND CHINESE-CANADIAN CHILDREN’S NOVELS ON THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE by Yan Ling Li B.A., The University of Hong Kong, 2010 A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS in THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES (Children’s Literature) THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Vancouver) August 2013 © Yan Ling Li, 2013 Abstract This study examines the representation of traditional family values, in particular filial piety, in four Chinese-North American immigrant children’s books: The Bone Collector’s Son by Paul Yee, The Star Fisher by Laurence Yep, Donald Duk: A Novel by Frank Chin, and Yang the Third and Her Impossible Family by Lensey Namioka. Utilizing the theoretical framework of Critical Race Theory and the methodologies of content analysis and close reading, this research investigates the depiction of the role and importance of filial piety in the immigrant families of the texts, as well as the relationship between acculturation and heritage values. Conclusions include that the value of traditional Chinese filial piety, while present in the fictional family relationships, is to an extent modified and questioned in the North American society. The choice of acculturation strategies by parent and child protagonists also creates intergenerational conflicts and affects the adherence to traditional family values. By providing diverse perspectives on the immigrant experience, the novels give a voice to minority group issues and celebrate individual differences. ii Preface This dissertation is original, unpublished, independent work by the author, Yan Ling Li. iii Table of Contents Abstract .................................................................................................................................... ii Preface ..................................................................................................................................... iii Table of Contents ..................................................................................................................... iv List of Tables ...........................................................................................................................vii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................ viii Dedication ................................................................................................................................. ix Chapter 1: Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1 Origins of Interest ............................................................................................................1 Statement of the Problem .................................................................................................5 Significance of the Study .................................................................................................5 The Primary Texts ...........................................................................................................6 Significant Terms .......................................................................................................... 10 Outline of Chapters ........................................................................................................ 13 Chapter 2: Literature Review ................................................................................................ 14 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 14 Multiculturalism in Children’s Literature ....................................................................... 14 Asian-North American Immigrant Writing .................................................................... 18 Cultural Elements: Chinese Family Values .................................................................... 25 Challenges in Chinese-North American Families ........................................................... 28 Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 32 Chapter 3: Theoretical Framework and Methodology ......................................................... 33 Theoretical Framework .................................................................................................. 33 iv Methodology ................................................................................................................. 37 Content Analysis Coding Scheme .................................................................................. 39 Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 45 Chapter 4: Filial Piety ............................................................................................................ 46 Chapter Overview .......................................................................................................... 46 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 46 Utmost Respect for Parents ............................................................................................ 48 Glory to Family ............................................................................................................. 55 Serve and Provide for Parents ........................................................................................ 59 Self-Cultivation ............................................................................................................. 65 Summary ....................................................................................................................... 66 Chapter 5: Acculturation Strategies ...................................................................................... 71 Chapter Overview .......................................................................................................... 71 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 71 The Bone Collector's Son ............................................................................................... 73 The Star Fisher .............................................................................................................. 78 Donald Duk ................................................................................................................... 83 Yang the Third and Her Impossible Family .................................................................... 88 Summary ....................................................................................................................... 92 Chapter 6: Conclusions and Discussion ................................................................................ 96 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 96 Research Question 1 ...................................................................................................... 96 Research Question 2 ...................................................................................................... 98 v Overall Findings .......................................................................................................... 101 Limitations of Research ............................................................................................... 102 Recommendations for Future Research ........................................................................ 103 Works Cited .......................................................................................................................... 105 Appendices ............................................................................................................................ 116 A: Sample of Titles Examined on the Asian-North American Immigrant Experience ... 116 B: Filial Piety Excerpts from the Primary Texts ........................................................... 117 C: Acculturation Strategy Excepts from the Primary Texts .......................................... 123 vi List of Tables Table 4.1 Frequency of Indicators of Filial Piety in the Primary Texts ....................................... 48 Table 5.1 Frequency of Acculturation Strategies in the Primary Texts ....................................... 73 vii Acknowledgements I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my thesis supervisor, Professor Judith Saltman, for her guidance, inspiration, and endless support. Her continuous encouragement carried me through my years at UBC. Thank you for making my MACL journey so delightful and enjoyable. I would also like to offer a warm thank you to my committee member, Professor Theresa Rogers, for her invaluable advice and contribution to my thesis. Finally, I am indebted to my family and friends for staying by my side at all times. Special thanks to Karen Taylor, who has always supported, motivated, and believed in me. viii Dedication To my family, without whom I would not be who I am today. ix Chapter 1: Introduction Origins of Interest Since arriving at Canada, an ethnically diverse country, I have been frequently asked where I come from. As simple as the question is, I always hesitate for a brief second before answering: China. I am from Hong