ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the nature and the complexity of the construction of ethnic identities of Chinese immigrant students (CIS) in a co-ethnic Hong Kong context. These individuals, born and raised in mainland China, now relocated to Hong Kong for family union. These portraits of CIS encapsulate the experiences of many newcomers similar to them. While some successfully navigate their educational journey, others encounter tribulations whilst searching for identity and belonging in the new society, they call “home”. Their stories provide a window for unravelling their perspectives on CIS self-forming. It notably highlights how their life trajectories contribute to their self-identification. For example, the differentiation between the “Hong Konger” and “Mainland Chinese” identities. The following paragraphs discuss the extent of ethnic affirmation and the cultural practices of the participants that include and reject the host cultural values and how they are linked with their emotional states of “pride” and/or “challenge”.
