Abstract
Hyphenated identity is a term that references the multiple socially bound features that individuals use to think about themselves. This article examines cultural and linguistic considerations in the understanding of hyphenated identity and discusses the merit of the concept for clinical use in speech-language pathology. The sources used consist of scientific articles, fictional works, and personal observations and communication. The conclusion is that hyphenated identity can be a useful way to think about clients in our modern society.
Struggling to be Heard*
I am a child of the Chinese diaspora, born at a crossroads.
I am a Chinese American,
A product of the city of Shanghai I have never known.
An immigrant and the daughter of Cantonese,
I speak Cantonese with love, the language of Dim Sum and Chinatown.
I speak English with passion, it's the tongue of my consciousness,
It is my crystal, my tool, my craft.
I am from Taiwan, island grown, Taiwanese is my dream,
Ripples from my tongue, rests in my heart,
I am from Pacific Asia, a stranger from a different shore, deeply rooted in history.
I am from California, I love the city of San Diego.
I am Asian, Asia is in me, but I cannot return.
I am Chinese, China lives in me but there's no way back.
I am Taiwanese. Taiwan remembers me, but I have no home there.
I am new. History made my hyphenated existence. I was born at the crossroads and I am whole.