ESL Vocabulary and Idioms

Re: Two Different Nationalities

Deadmaster — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 14:11:19 GMT

thanks all and sorry for posting in two forums. Thought it wasen't quite "vocabulary", but more "grammar".

Re: Two Different Nationalities

Marius Hancu — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 12:18:40 GMT

Anonymous wrote:

What if I'm called a Belgian Chinese? What would that mean? That I'm a Chinese of Belgian descent?

Yes.
Also that you are in China, and are of Belgian descent.
Or that you have a Chinese passport, but your ethnicity is Belgian.

Basically, MM gave you the right answer.

Re: Two Different Nationalities

Anonymous — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 08:57:33 GMT

lol. Well, you are right it depends on the context.
But there's a big discussion about Chinese Belgian and Belgian Chinese among the community. They don't know what is right and what is wrong!
What if I'm called a Belgian Chinese? What would that mean? That I'm a Chinese from Belgian descent?

Thanks in advance

Re: Two Different Nationalities

Clive — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 15:37:25 GMT

Hi,

I think it depends on the context.

eg If the immigration officer in an airport in Argentina asks you 'What is your nationality, please' and you are travelling with a Belgian passport, then I suggest you just say 'I'm Belgian'.

So, in what context would you feel like saying 'I'm a Chinese Belgian'?

Best wishes, Clive

Re: Two Different Nationalities

Mister Micawber — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 11:05:51 GMT

Chinese Belgian -- that sounds right to me.

Two Different Nationalities

Anonymous — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 11:00:44 GMT

Hello,

My ethnicity is Chinese, but my Nationality is "Belgian" (from a country called "Belgium") . How do I call myself? Chinese Belgian or a Belgian Chinese?
I'd suggest it would be adjective+noun. So, I would be a Chinese Belgian right?

Hope, any of the experts can help me!
Thanks