Chapter 4 - by Intikhab Amir

"King George..........a Canadian name for a 'foreign' turtle"


In a foreign land, immigrants’ children grow up with questions and concerns different than the native kids. Caught between two cultures, they try to adapt to the new reality of their lives, which their parents find quite difficult to become accustomed to.

The second-generation immigrants’ transition to the new culture and adaptability to their surroundings happened to be quite smooth as compared to their elders. They accept the change, perhaps, because of the fact that they don’t carry any cultural baggage.

Choy makes the reader to understand this reality in a very simple manner.
Jung-Sum, the second of Jook-Liang’s two elder brothers, exchanges an interesting argument with his friend Bobby Steinberg, who is a ‘foreigner’ for Jung’s family-friend Dai Kew.

The foreigner between the two children insists that Jung’s turtle, arrived recently in Canada, must have a Canadian name. Poor Jung suggests an old fashioned Chinese name for the turtle: Lao Kwei (Old Turtle). Finally, they agree to Steinberg’s suggestion of giving calling the turtle with a Canadian name. A Canadian turtle must be called with a Canadian name. Doesn’t it sound amazing?

Why can’t an outsider turtle have a Canadian name? If a neighborhood can be named as ‘Chinatown’ only because Chinese community lives there, then a foreign turtle could be named as ‘King George.’ It reflects a dent to the garrison mentality.

On the other hand, the first generation immigrant’s attempts to get their children education at an English as well as a Chinese school speaks volumes of their protectionists endeavors – a clear reflection of garrison mentality.
Grandmother Poh-Poh reflects the mindset of a typical immigrant. She reinforces her way of life ignoring the new cultural environs. She is deep into superstition; believing in ghosts; and false notions, which are part of her cultural baggage.