the future of clan associations...

[David Wong]

I was at the 82nd anniversary of the Ming Sun Association (Wongs from Hoy ping). The thought was bounced around... after the last of the older people, what will become of these old clan associations?

There is no new blood or very little coming in to renew these associations.

What has other places done to maintain the life of these venerable places? Other than documenting and recording the histories, what else can be done? Are they worth preserving? If so, for whom and why?

I'd be very interested to hear from colleagues around our world to see what ideas have been floated, and how successful the efforts are.

[Henry]

David,

You pose a very interesting question.

I believe Chinese clan associations in countries where overseas Chinese have settled, be it a clan surname specific to a locality or to the clan surname in general, initially served the Chinese bachelor community of "sojouners". After Chinese were able to emigrate overseas to countries as real immigrants with families and the intent to settle outside of China - the necessity of these associations waned and generally wound up as places where old-timers, "lo wah ques" could meet, play ma-jong, and have a meal together. In some cities, some of these clan associations are thriving financially from revenues from rentals of properties that were bought years ago. Realistically, the biggest turnout is when members show up for the Chinese New Year banquet.

Over the years with diminishing memberships, many of these clan associations seem to be on the brink of extinction. Yet, I have not seen any concerted outreach efforts to second generation Chinese by such associations. Most of these second generation Chinese, who cannot speak any Chinese are not very interested in joining clan associations. For those that are - they may feel somewhat uncomfortable - especially because they cannot speak Chinese, let alone read or write Chinese.

Clan associations also have China-based headquarters and branches that are quite good in getting the overseas branches to support the building of schools or other projects in the ancestral villages in China.

I think many of these associations need to preserve the heritage and genealogy of the clan surname - hopefully in English too. Trying to get a copy of the clan genealogy book, information about the location of ancestral villages, or any help in finding your ancestors from clan associations is quite a challenge. They are not running workshops or seminars on the history of the clan surname or supporting any programs such as the "Roots program" in San Francisco, to educate second generation Chinese and conducting tours for them to visit their ancestral villages in China. For my surname, I have yet to see an English version of the history of my clan surname. After I receive the English translation of my own clan surname history - I will probably make some copies and send a copy to every Tom clan surname association branch that I am aware of.

I am hoping that the English secretary or President of that branch of the clan surname association will take an interest in promoting the inclusion of second generation Chinese and their families into the activities of the clan association.

Henry

[raymond]

I agree wholeheartedly with Henry regarding the seemingly diminishing interest of the younger Chinese American generation in the Chinese clan associations. Although the clan associations have outlived much of its original purpose of aiding largely a newcomer bachelor society in the US, these clan associations can still serve a useful purpose in several notable ways.

In spite of the changing times, the Chinese community (especially the Chinese with roots in Guangdong Province) is still in need of services that other organizations do not seem to specifically offer. From my perspective, there appears to be a need for genealogical information for specific family clans and for specific geographical areas of rural China. Secondly, there is still a need for liaison organizations here linking back to organizations in China for family clan names and for defined geographical areas. Thirdly, the clan associations can take charge of maintaining neglected Chinese gravesites as a project, and take the initiative to compile an inventory of the Chinese who have deceased and are buried in various cemeteries in the US, especially the deceased who have long been forgotten and neglected. Finally, there still remains a need for assistance whether it involves assisting today's newcomer immigrants (albeit fewer nowadays) who are linked to the clan associations, or whether in assisting the younger generation in Chinese language and culture, or whether it be assistance in raising money for special projects like schools and libraries in rural China, or for disaster relief. These are just a few things that come to mind, but undoubtedly there are other purposeful and worthwhile pursuits. The point is the clan associations can be revitalized to serve the modern-day needs of the Chinese community.

I have had the privilege of attending some of the recent Chinese New Year celebrations and spring banquets spearheaded by these clan associations. My general observation is that there is a noticeable lack of young people in attendance, and the few pockets of young people in attendance appears to be mostly those of new immigrants. I truly believe that there is a "generation gap" between the elder Chinese and the younger generation. I'm certain progress can be made in closing this gap with a more effective outreach approach on the part of the elder officers, and a greater emphasis being placed on appreciation of Chinese heritage, culture and language on the part of the younger generation.

The clan associations are at a pivotal point now. Without effectively passing the baton from elder to younger generations, their fate is likely doomed and the doors will be shut on opportunities for liaison to rural China, and the treasure trove of information housed in these hallowed association halls will be indefinitely sealed.

Raymond

[David Wong]

Same here in Canada. No interest from descendants of the early Chinese immigrants to America /Canada.

The noticeable difference between the US and Canada is that there is more immigration from the Chinese speaking nations to Canada, thus the replenishment of old country languages. There is a schism from the newer immigrants and the old families ... in that newer immigrants are forming new organizations that cater to their present day needs - employment, government assistance (eg tax, welfare, seniors pension etc) ; contrast this with the older clan organizations which served as a bridge to the old country.

The strange thing for folks in my generation is that I still get invites and announcements mailed to me (I guess my father / grand dad had placed my name on the various clan mailing lists) all in Chinese. Their important functions (clan association anniversaries and chinese new years) are still held in Cantonese. I have spoken to our elders to see if they could go bilingual so that my children and their colleagues could understand.

Last year marked the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Benevolent Association in Vancouver. It's commemorative book was published almost entirely in Chinese. I'm in the process of translating the entire effort and to also post it on the net.

These are only small slivers of slowing the eventual demise of these organizations. Even if it is an evolution of a community's history, I can't help but to feel sad. I remember how colourful and populated these places were during my youth.

Perhaps all of us multi-generational folks of Chinese ancestry, here in Canada and the US, could get a meeting of minds together and figure out some direction for these institutions to evolve to.

For the past number of months, I had also published a controversial Blog called "the Ugly Chinese Canadian"- trying to reclaim some of our Banana heritage in this fast changing community of ours. The blog was to stimulate discussion but I'm sure a lot of people were offended.

Anyways, I will post this question of our clan associations on the blog too.

[helen]

The Tung Jung Association in Wellington, New Zealand celebrated its 80th anniversary last August. They published a book with people from each village contributing. There is also a sister association in Auckland. Every couple of years the Aucklanders have an Honour the Elderley dinner, and their families all come with their parent/s. So there is interest in the people in their 50s and 60s. WThere are also winter camps organised for the younger folk, and everyone who has gone back to China in search of their roots, has come back with a different perspective of their Chinese Heritage. So there is hope in the younger generation.
There is also the annual Easter sports tournament that the young folk play in, different city each year. There are Chinese classes as well, and new migrants join in as well.

[jt]

Speaking as one of these "younger, newer generation", I can say that I've always viewed our family association as my parents' association. It was something they are a part of with all older people they know and are friends with. They provide help and support for new immigrants, settling in America and generally just a place where people of similiar mindsets can congregate and maintain their traditions and culture.

Yes, there were other kids that came with their parents there, and they have family events, but I've never felt like it was something I belonged too. As with many things associated with one's parents, once a child goes off on their own, we make our own lives and form our own relationships. We're not very interested in maintaining old cultural traditions they same way our parents do.

I would hate to see them disappear completely as there is probably a lot of valuable history there. I would like them preserved at least for that reason.

[lima21]

Hi, I'm live in Akl and I'm totally new to all of this. I've posted a couple of threads on other headings in this site regarding information on my grandfather. I'm Samoan Chinese and have lived the NZ Samoan way all of my live but I want to know about the Cantonese/Chinese side. Both my grandfathers were Cantonese. Speaking of Clan groups or any Chinese community groups, I would love to be a part of it and I want my children to grow up knowing this community. My grandfather in search had the last name Ng very similar to this character 吳, is there a place that is open for people like me who wants to belong but doesn't speak a word of Cantonese/Chinese?

[helen]

There's the Auckland Chinese Community Centre - or ACCC at 1 New North Road. The Banan's conference will be on shortly. That would be a good place to start. 18-19 August 2007. www.goingbananas.org.nz/