My story is:Born and lived for 5 years in Rome, italy, know the language quite well and am considered 100%,homegrown,uber italian by other italians and their families. But both my parents were born in croatia, though they both moved 2 italy in their late teens/early 20's, and know (as far as i know) perfect croatian and equally perfect italian. Strangely enough, they seem to always talk in italian for everyday conversations between themselves and the family.Also, ever since i was 5y old, (when we immigrated to the usa), we lived in america were the main language is english but my family still converses their italian language (we just won';t give it up for english).what do you consider me 2 be. I personally have great pride in my italian heritage and it helped shape the person i am 2day. But i have not forgotten or tossed aside my parents croatian origin, even though i am not conected personally connected 2 it,i have even began 2 learn croatian as 3rd language. now i ask u , what am i?
2006-08-11 16:38:31 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
a person like anyone else is,just be your self.............
2006-08-11 16:42:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You emigrated to America to be American. Learn English. Don't give up on the other languages as it makes you more valuable as an interpreter. Tell you parents the same thing. They came here voluntarily.
People who come to America for the benefits and don't want to learn the language should go back to where ever they came from. I say this not as a bigot, but for practical reasons. When people settled in this country, they learned the language, assimilated, or failed.
I also say this because I got the opportunity to be stationed in Japan. I fought to stay off the base and live with the local people. I had to learn the language to survive.
Good luck. Remember this is an English speaking country except for the Mexicans -- we spoiled them, now they are too lazy to learn the language.
2006-08-11 23:53:23 · answer #2 · answered by reme_1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know you might not want to hear it, but now you are an American. If you want the whole thing, you are an American, born in Italy, and of Croatian descent. I'm guessing if you have been here since you were five, most of your friends simply think "American." Your own sense of identity is more important than how other people see it, and it is great that you have pride in your heritage.
2006-08-11 23:51:03 · answer #3 · answered by M L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are a member of the human race!! Sounds like you most stongly associate with italian - seeing as that culture has had such a big impact on your life. I wouldnt be so concerned with what culture people see you as, it is what YOU identify yourself as that matters. I am an Aussie born girl of English/German decent - but I call myself an Aussie coz thats where Im born and raised, although I claim both ancestries and am interested in both - they have helped form who I am. It is good that you are learning Croatian - perhaps your parents could fill you in on more of their culture, or perhaps you could contact relatives over there (when your croatian is good enough!) It doesnt matter where you live or where you were born. Most of us have a mixed heratige. Alot of people struggle with where they fit in because their lives have changed so much. Be confident in who you are and where you have come from and identify yourself with any culture you like!
2006-08-11 23:51:50 · answer #4 · answered by kingpusskitten 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are an American now. You were just born in Italy. Your folks are Croatian. I see simple as that. Most Americans either came from another country or their parents did.
2006-08-11 23:49:13 · answer #5 · answered by LoveMyLife 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're Croatian dude, both your parents are. You just happened to be born in Italy, but your blood is Croatian.
2006-08-11 23:44:08 · answer #6 · answered by tina m 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have lived in Italy and the United States most of your life and the better part of your life was lived in The U.S. I would say I see you as American . You have to decide what you would like to be known as Italian or American .
2006-08-11 23:47:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Human
2006-08-11 23:45:22 · answer #8 · answered by Arene 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
JUST SAY THAT YOU'RE CROATIAN BUT WAS BORN AND RAISED IN ITALY TILL YOU WERE 5 AND NOW YOU'RE AN AMERICAN. NICE AND SIMPLE NO BIGGIE.
2006-08-11 23:52:04 · answer #9 · answered by Work-N-Hrd-2-Mk-It 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be yourself, you dont need to indentify yourself with just one thing, you can be english, italian and cortian, its fine, and learning more language will help you in the long run and make you more interesting
2006-08-11 23:47:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
look honey you are Croatian
but you too can be whatever you want to be!
2006-08-11 23:51:24 · answer #11 · answered by Remy Ma 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋