Abstract

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Title:: The Construction of Cultural Identity in Chinese American's Childhood Narration about Chinatown

Keywords:: Chinese American; Chinatown; childhood narration; roots; cultural identity

Abstract:: The cognition and construction of cultural identity is the core of Chinese American children's literature. Chinatown, as a social ethnic space, plays such an important role as it works as an incubator of children's ethnic identity in literature. Childhood narration about Chinatown by Lin Yutang, Frank Chin, Laurence Yep and other Chinese American writers depict the interwoven problems in the in-between zone, intergenerational relationship in a family and the metaphorical space of the story in different ways from a child's perspective. They explore, develop, and even “invent” the ethnic cultural roots through reconstruction. Their works play a role of cultural translation or remodeling in the diaspora space, showing the charm of Chinese culture, spirit, and character. Reflecting different standpoints, approaches, and purport of constructing cultural identity, these works provide a good reference for the marginal groups to establish their cultural confidence and self-consistency of subjectivity in the cultural gap.