Book launch was great

 The launch was great. Have a look at the latest Newsletter for more highlights and thoughts on the launch, as well as information on double wedding ceremonies, and what does it cost to go to your homeland over 20+ years?

If you want to see the whole launch speech  click here.

Books have arrived

The finally waited for book is in my hot hands and yes it feels good.
I'm getting things sorted for the book launch, 8 days away as I write. I hope it will be as fun as gawking at and stroking the book has been.
This migrant is a happy one right now. I wouldn't have written this book if I hadn't been one. Its funny how life pans out.

The book is available on Amazon for Non-New Zealanders. New Zealand can buy it from Fishpond once the launch has happened or contact me through my email.More information go the the Book for Sale tab.

Book Launch

Here is the proof the book is on its way!

Accents

Everyone has an accent. The area we come from will have its own way of pronouncing vowels and consonants as well as pacing the syllables of a word. As an immigrant, your accent identifies you as coming from a different country.
On the positive side your accent can be perceived as exotic or romantic.

On the negative side:

1. This can be isolating, as you are reminded you don't belong as much as the person you are talking to.
2. You may have to repeat yourself often.
3. You may be perceived as a new immigrant even though you have been in your adopted country for many years.
4. You may be subjected to assumptions about your homeland.

What can you do about it?
Accents are discussed in my book, The Emotional Challenges of Immigration which will be launched in two months time. Here are some pre-launch excerpts:
As a young university student, Anne didn’t want to be judged as American before she was judged as a person, so she spent a long time studying the accent of her adopted country. ‘Accent is a funny thing, because it is very changeable, but at the end of university, you couldn’t tell that I was from the States on the first meeting.’
However when she visited her Grandmother in America, the changed accent worked against her. Her grandmother said to Anne, 
"America is my home, you shouldn't have an accent."

An immigrant from Malaysia said he felt there was a limit to how much he was willing to adjust. He became tired of people correcting his English pronunciation. ‘I have learnt a second language. I speak it well, even though it is very different to my original language. Can’t you accept I’ve made huge moves to get where I am? I am not bothered if sometimes it is a bit incorrect. As long as you can understand me, I do not need to speak in the same accent as you.’

Although the language was the same, another immigrant found that, "My parents say they don’t understand the children."  This can be upsetting for the immigrant as this creates a feeling of disconnection from your homeland and loved ones.

Some people find trying to identify which country they belong to difficult, and may end up feeling disconnected from both. Anne points out, ‘Over there I have an accent; over here I have an accent. It’s very weird. It’s being in between … I feel I will never fully be one or the other any more. I am neither completely from here nor American.’

Strategies to help:

How Migrants Help Each Other Online

Migration is a huge process. Find out how immigrants help each other online before and after migration and where you can find help and support.

Are you virtually living by living virtually?Read more in Newsletter 5.

If sign up for the newsletter you get a free ten tips for becoming a settled immigrant as well as a special offer on my new book.

Fear of Flying

The fear of flying has risen its ugly head again.  The mystery of the disappearance of MH370 on 9th March 2014 has still not been solved. An event such as this may cause worry for prospective fliers, especially passengers who don't like flying anyway (see below). If you had a ticket booked on that airline to visit your family and friends, you may consider changing it. The decision to change it or not has to be one that gives you the least worry and so you arrive in the best form so you can have a rewarding time with your loved ones. 

Dual Citizenship. Is it Worth It?

A dual citizen is able to be a legal citizen of two countries. Not all countries allow dual citizenship, but if your homeland and your adopted country does it could be worth considering.There are advantages and disadvantages of dual citizenship. Read more

Alison shares her experiences of losing her passport. Read more

Most important: Know your citizenship status.  Look at a list of countries that allow dual citizenship and if you are a dual citizen, find out what your obligations may be.

Have a look at Newsletter 4 and if you would like to sign up for a free copy, click here.