I met the new young owner of China Wok Chinese take-away in the Central Precinct of Chandler’s Ford.
Mr Chen came from Fuzhou, of Fujian province of China 15 years ago. His journey started from the south coast of China, then Scotland, and finally in Chandler’s Ford last spring.
This is his first Chinese New Year with his family in Chandler’s Ford.
Mr Chen doesn’t speak English.
Mr Chen told me that his family are now all British citizens. He is very proud.
The character 福 fú behind Mr Chen means happiness, which is often placed upside-down during the Chinese New Year to show that happiness has arrived.
Mr Chen told me that in 2007, the British government had a change of the immigration policy, luckily he and his wife were granted permission to stay in the UK.
Voyage from China, Scotland to Chandler’s Ford
Mr Chen’s voyage from China took him to Scotland, where he worked in the catering business. He later got married and his 9-year-old son was also born in Scotland.
When the Chen family moved to Chandler’s Ford in April last year, his son’s Scottish accent confused his teachers in Merdon Junior School, where he is now a Year 5 pupil.
Mr Chen only took over the China Wok business in April last year, from another Chinese man from the mainland China. China Wok is next to the well established Men’s World Hairdressing run by Les Oakley MBE.
Mr Chen is shy. He spoke with a soft voice, carrying a gentle smile.
Do you speak English?
“No, I can’t speak English at all, but my wife can speak a little bit English. She takes the customers’ orders.”
Do you miss home?
“Of course I miss home. My mother and father are on their own, and I’m here.”
In the past 15 years, Mr Chen had only visited his parents three times, in the south coast of China. He has been working hard to make a living in the UK.
Would your parents like to visit you and your family in Chandler’s Ford?
“Yes, of course I would like my parents to come here to see us, but lawyers told me that it is very difficult to get them over. Now the British government is very strict. Some lawyers told me that it is almost impossible for my parents to visit England.”
What are your New Year wishes?
“I hope that one day my parents could come and see us. I’ll try my best. I’ll ask the lawyer again.”
The decoration in China Wok mirrors tradition. The shop is beautifully decorated with red lanterns, red Chinese scrolls in bold characters in gold, and symbols of fortune.
The Chinese scrolls carry this message: Wishing you wealth and a prosperous business.
The decoration of a pair of fish on the wall signifies fortune.
A little gold Fortune cookie sachet is pinned on the window. “6 for £1.00.”
Before I left, I asked Mr Chen how he fit into the society: “You don’t speak English. Do you think you understand this place? How are you integrating into the society?”
Mr Chen replied with his usual smile:
“It really doesn’t matter if I fit in or not. I am not important. My son fits in. He will integrate. This would be enough. I’m happy. “
China Wok Chinese Take-away
Telephone: 023 8027 5252; 07722 182 888
14 The Central Precinct, Winchester Road, Chandler’s Ford SO53 2GB
What a lovely post! I am delighted that Mr Chen is a British citizen! I’m sure his son’s accent surprised the teachers at Merdon.
About 40 years ago, we went into a pub in North Wales and came across a group of young men of African appearance … who were speaking Welsh! This seemed very unusual in those days.
However, I do think it is important for everyone who lives in this country to speak some English. It is fine for Mr Chen now, but what about when he gets older? He may have to be in hospital, or run the business without his wife if she is ill. It is very limiting for him socially too, as I don’t suppose there is a large Chinese community in Chandler’s Ford. He should follow your excellent example and aim to become a fluent English speaker!!
Hi Hazel,
From my experience, I feel that it is very important to speak English, and try to speak it well, as a foreigner who wishes to integrate in this country. Language is a key factor in integration. It will also enable you to access information, and improve your quality of life.
It’s also understandable that a lot of the first generation immigrants feel that it is too late to learn English, and it is too hard to start from scratch. They tend to rely on the second generation. This situation echoes in many ethnic minority groups in this country. The cultural and generation gap between the first and second generations are therefore huge.
I used to be an interpreter for the social services and in many schools. Translation and interpreting are important services in this country, yet I feel that many people also need to help themselves by learning English (at least functional English), so that they could function well and enjoy their life in an English speaking environment.