On Lannangs, Chinoys, Chi-Fil/Fil-Chi, Chinese - Realizations and Musings
So, I attended an induction ceremony event of one of our family association's provincial chapters recently. For events like these, as a third generation Lannang kid, there were some things I've observed:
- The importance of languages.
For you to be able to socialize better in events like these, you should be able to speak and understand at least decent level Hokkien. Kids younger than 18, depending on the family circumstances, will be able communicate well in Hokkien if their families use the language at home.
- Questioning the Lannang "Purity".
There's no guarantee that all the people you meet in events like these are pure Lannang/Chinese. Some even tell you that "Oh, I'm actually mestizo". Moving forward, I personally think it's not going to be easy imposing the "Great Wall" when we go out and look for partners.
- Go with an "overcharged" social battery.
Events like these entail lots of drinking, socializing, and if you feel like it, endless song and dance numbers. In our family association, Chinese/Hokkien songs are automatically included in the entertainment list.
- It's a great opportunity to network.
An uncle spoke to me at the event told me to remember the people I meet. Keeping in touch with them is good practice. Lannang community networks hit different since familiarity of the "guanxi" culture is already a given.
- Unwritten rules about dating someone with the same Chinese surname.
Belief is, you originated from the same ancestor. Technically, it would be weird marrying a "distant relative", yeah?
Ikaw, anong kwentong family association niyo?