In multicultural societies like Canada where cultural diversity always exist, ethnic groups strive to preserve their cultural heritage and not become assimilated by the mainstream culture.
Today, ethnic groups such as the Hellenic Community of Ottawa seek innovative means to sustain cultural elements such as ethnic language, religious beliefs, and social, cultural and leisure pursuits. This phenomenological study presents the perspectives of recent administrators of the Hellenic School of Ottawa toward language and cultural maintenance. The results of this study indicate that the Hellenic School of Ottawa is vital and effective for maintaining the Hellenic culture and language beyond the 3rd and 4th generation, as it includes the instruction of Greek language and familiarization with Greek culture. The results also indicate that students of the language school: (1) Are provided with an opportunity to learn Greek which may not be received at home, (2) learn to appreciate their ethnic heritage through language oriented leisure activities, (3) make friendships with those of same ethnic cultural heritage, (4) learn to have a deeper appreciation of multiculturalism and its place in Canadian society, and (5) develop confidence to speak their ethnic language. This study also provides suggestions for the enhancement of the operation of the HSO, such as addition of more Greek-content leisure activities, organization of trips to Greece, and expansion of the instructional time.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:uottawa.ca/oai:ruor.uottawa.ca:10393/34207 |
| Date | January 2016 |
| Creators | Zoupa, Sofia |
| Contributors | Karlis, George |
| Publisher | Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa |
| Source Sets | Université d’Ottawa |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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