Invisible Community: Being South Asian in Quebec

The South Asian population in Canada has become the largest visible minority, facing challenges in settlement, integration, and development. The Invisible Community explores who these immigrants are and what they need to become members of an inclusive society, looking at how they integrate into the job market, manage socially and emotionally, and adapt to French-speaking and English-speaking schools.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2021
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

The South Asian population in Canada, with its diverse national, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, has emerged as the largest visible minority in the country in recent years. As this community continues to grow, it faces significant challenges in terms of settlement, integration, and development. In Quebec, the South Asian community, which accounts for only 1 percent of the population, has received limited attention compared to other minority groups.

The Invisible Community: Exploring the Lives of South Asian Immigrants in French-Speaking Canada is a groundbreaking book that seeks to shed light on the experiences of these immigrants and their families as they navigate life in French-speaking Canada. The book is a collaborative effort involving experts from Canadian and international universities, governmental and community agencies, and members of the South Asian community itself.

Through a series of essays and interviews, the book provides a comprehensive exploration of the lives of South Asian immigrants in Quebec. It examines various aspects of their experiences, including their integration into the job market, social and emotional well-being, religious values, and the education of their children. The experts offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by South Asian immigrants in Canada, highlighting the importance of understanding their unique perspectives and needs.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of language acquisition and integration into Canadian society. The authors argue that language is not just a means of communication but also a key tool for social and economic integration. They discuss the challenges faced by South Asian immigrants in learning French, as well as the strategies they employ to overcome these challenges and become fluent in the language. The book also explores the impact of language on the social and cultural identity of South Asian immigrants, highlighting the ways in which language can shape their experiences and relationships within the community.

Another important aspect of the book is the exploration of the wider social, political, and educational contexts of immigration in Canada. The authors argue that immigration is not just a matter of individual experiences but also a broader social and political issue that affects society as a whole. They discuss the policies and programs that have been implemented to support immigrant integration, as well as the challenges and barriers that remain. The book also highlights the contributions of South Asian immigrants to Canadian society, including their contributions to the economy, culture, and social fabric.

The Invisible Community shares lived experiences of different subgroups of the South Asian population in Quebec in order to better understand the wider social, political, and educational contexts of immigration in Canada. The book includes essays and interviews with individuals from various backgrounds, including immigrants, community leaders, and educators. These personal stories provide a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes faced by South Asian immigrants in Quebec, and they contribute to a broader understanding of the experiences of immigrants in Canada more broadly.

In conclusion, The Invisible Community: Exploring the Lives of South Asian Immigrants in French-Speaking Canada is a groundbreaking book that provides valuable insights into the experiences of South Asian immigrants in Quebec. Through a collaborative effort involving experts from various fields, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities faced by these immigrants and their families. The book's insights into language acquisition, social and cultural identity, wider social, political, and educational contexts, and the contributions of South Asian immigrants to Canadian society are essential for understanding the complex dynamics of immigration in Canada.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228005414