A Study of Identities of Asian Origin Primary School Children

Abstract

This paper presents the opinion and views of young Asian children on a variety of topics relating to their personal and social identities. Twenty primary school children were interviewed individually using English as the main means of communication. The questions asked were open‐ended and included: their home life, the type of food they eat, the importance of religion in their lives, their views on their mother‐tongue and its use in school, racism and their personal identities. As the approach to the study is qualitative, the children's responses are presented verbatim to show their underlying attitudes to the topics under discussion. What emerges is a fascinating mosaic of ideas and views which should be of interest to all concerned with the education and care of ethnic minority children.

Key Words:

• Identity
• Asian origin; primary age.