Exercise of Migration and Diaspora (Dediasporization: Homeland and Hostland)
Working with words
Find the words from the text that have the following meanings. The first letter of the word has been given.
a. sojourner - a person who resides temporarily in a place
b. transnational - existing in or involving different countries
c. remittance - a sum of money sent in payment or as a gift
d. assimilation - the process of allowing somebody to become a part of a country or community
e. misnomer - a name or a word that is not appropriate or accurate
f. confer - to give somebody an award or a particular honour or right
g. dormant - not active or growing now but able to become active
h. persecution - the act of treating somebody in a cruel and unfair way
Comprehension
Match the first halves of the sentences (a-g) with their second halves (i-vii). Write the numbers in the box. One has been done as an example.
| a. | The term assimilation has been used | iii. | | b. | It is essential to study the process of diasporization | v. | | c. | The definition of dediasporization | vii. | | d. | The dediasporization process for migrants who have not given up their native citizenship | vi. | | e. | Some countries grant full citizenship to the returnees | iv. | | f. | It is surprising that | i. | | g. | The role of a state in dediasporization | ii. |
Answer the following questions.
a. According to the author, what are the three aspects of migration?
According to the author, the three aspects of migration are: (1) forward motion, with a focus on its causes and consequences, (2) the migrants themselves (settlers, sojourners, refugees, and exiles) and their incorporation in a new social formation, with a focus on the establishment of diasporic communities, transnational spaces, and bipolar identities, and which also addresses the issue of the lack of fit between state and transnation, the expansion of dual citizenship rights, and the remittances that diasporans send to the homeland, and (3) backward motion, with a focus on the returnee population and their reincorporation in the sending country.
b. Which aspect of migration is neglected by the researchers?
The author argues that little emphasis has been placed on the aspect of migration referred to as "backward motion" or the process of returnee population and their reincorporation in the sending country.
c. What is ‘dediasporization’?
‘Dediasporization’ is defined as the process by which a diasporic subject either reacquires homeland citizenship by returning to the sending country, effects generational assimilation in the host state, or reinscribes himself or herself in the translocal arena of the transnation-state.
d. Why is the role of the state important in dediasporization?
The role of the state is important in dediasporization because states have established formal procedures for dediasporization which include a residence period and the recovery of some citizenship rights. It also entails the participation of three sets of actors to ensure a successful outcome and cannot be assumed to be the work of the diasporan alone.
e. How is Chinese diaspora in the Caribbean different from others?
The Chinese diaspora in the Caribbean is different from others as they are considered foreigners by the local Caribbean citizens though they have been living there for more than a century.
f. Why is it difficult to regain citizenship after returning to the homeland?
It may be difficult to regain citizenship after returning to the homeland because states have established formal procedures for dediasporization which include a residence period and the recovery of some citizenship rights, which the individual must go through.
g. What do the German feel towards the returnees from Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan?
The Germans have distinct feelings and are quite alienated towards those returning from Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
h. How are the returnees’ activities in Israel different from that of other countries?
The returnees’ activities in Israel are different from that of other countries as these individuals assert full citizenship, form their own political parties and grant freedom and advocate rights to other citizens of the country.
i. What is the role of the individual in dediasporization?
The text states that the individual must be willing to initiate the process of dediasporization, and there are multiple reasons for doing so: desire to return to the homeland, generational factors, or the subjective redefinition of oneself through assimilation in the hostland. However, in practice and objectively speaking, a diasporan cannot dediasporize himself or herself without going through formal state procedures to reacquire one’s nationality.
Critical Thinking
Many Nepali people are living in foreign countries now and they are known as Non-Residential Nepalis (NRNs). The NRNs are asking for dual citizenship rights. Do you think the Government of Nepal should address their demands?
It is my belief that the Government of Nepal should not grant dual citizenship rights to Non-Residential Nepalis (NRNs) who are living in foreign countries. This decision is based on several potential negative consequences that may arise from granting dual citizenship.
Firstly, granting dual citizenship to NRNs could have a significant impact on Nepal's economy, politics, national identity and security, and these impacts need to be thoroughly evaluated before making such a decision.
Secondly, granting dual citizenship could lead to potential legal and constitutional implications, as it could raise questions of citizenship, voting rights, and representation in government. These implications need to be carefully considered and addressed by the Government.
Additionally, Nepal is a small country, and granting dual citizenship rights to NRNs could potentially lead to an influx of people into the country, which could have an impact on the country's infrastructure, resources, and the job market. This could lead to increased competition for resources and job opportunities, potentially leading to negative economic and social effects.
Lastly, there is possibility of granting dual citizenship to NRNs could be viewed as unfair by the citizens of Nepal who are living and contributing to the country, and it could also lead to an erosion of national identity.
In conclusion, the decision to grant dual citizenship rights to NRNs should be made with caution and after a thorough evaluation of potential negative consequences that may arise from such a decision.
The NRNs celebrate festivals like Teej, Dashain, Lhosar, Id and Holi in foreign countries. What do these celebrations signify?
The celebrations of Teej, Dashain, Lhosar, Id and Holi by Non-Residential Nepalis (NRNs) in foreign countries signify that even though they are living abroad, they have not forgotten their cultural and religious traditions. These festivals are a way for NRNs to maintain a connection with their homeland and to continue practising the traditions and customs that are an important part of their identity.
Through these celebrations, NRNs can also connect with other members of the Nepali community living abroad, and celebrate together as a community. It allows them to preserve and pass on their cultural heritage to future generations.
The fact that NRNs celebrate these festivals even in foreign countries, it demonstrates their commitment to preserving their traditions and cultural heritage, despite being away from their homeland. It also shows that they still have a strong connection to their roots, and that their cultural identity is an important part of their lives.
Grammar
Make sentences from the table below using used to / didn’t use to as shown in the example.
a. She used to travel a lot but now she rarely leaves her town.
b. She used to be lazy but now she works hard.
c. She didn’t use to like junk food but she eats momo and noodles these days.
d. She used to have a pet but it died last year.
e. She used to be a school teacher but now she is a professor.
f. She used to have many friends but now she has limited friends.
g. She did not use to read many books but she reads a lot books.
h. She didn’t use to take coffee but now she drinks coffee.
i. She used to go to parties a lot but now she doesn’t attend parties.
Complete the following sentences with used to or would.
a. My sister used to have short hair when she was young.
b. We used to have lunch in the same school café when I was in middle school.
c. My father used to play badminton before he had a backbone problem.
d. When I was very young, I didn’t use to like milk.
e. She would call me after class for a chat.
f. My mother didn’t use to wear glasses when she was at university.
g. When I was a child, we used to live in a village.
h. On Sundays, My mother would wake up and go to the temple.
i. How many friends would have in class ten?
j. My father would always read me bedtime stories before bed.
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