Voyageurs to a rocky shore: the Lebanese and Syrians of Nova Scotia

Jabbra, Nancy Walstrom; Jabbra, Joseph G.

Book

Voyageurs to a rocky shore: the Lebanese and Syrians of Nova Scotia

Institute of Public Affairs, Dalhousie University • Halifax, Canada • Published In 1984 • Pages:

By: Jabbra, Nancy Walstrom, Jabbra, Joseph G..

Abstract
This is a study of Lebanese and Syrian immigrant communities of Nova Scotia (mostly in the Halifax area) based on participant observation, interviews, and archival materials. The authors recount the immigration and settlement history of the early immigrants. One chapter is devoted to life histories. In another chapter on the theory of ethnicity and ethnic groups, the authors explain how Syrian and Lebanese immigrants--never an ethnic group in their home countries-- become an ethnic group in Canada. On the one hand, public education, the necessity of learning the new language of the adopted country, opportunity for upward mobility, and rights granted through citizenship are factors favoring assimilation. On the other hand, religion and politics, both local and in the home country, reinforce a Lebanese-Canadian identity, but at the same time divide the community into factions. The Jabbras recount the history and internal disputes of the Canadian Lebanon Society, which reveal internal cleavages based on differences in national orign, religion, and allegiances to political groups back in Lebanon.

Life history materials

External migration

Age stratification

Ethnic stratification

Sodalities

Inter-ethnic relations

Political parties

Congregations

Arab Canadians

HRAF PubDate

1999

Region