Creating Their Own Culture: Diasporic Tongans

Abstract

The impact of migration on the construction of cultural identities is examined by focusing on Tongan migrants in Melbourne. Within contexts such as the church and the family these immigrants are shown to be self-consciously defining, reconstructing, and contesting the nature of anga fakatonga (the Tongan way). Significant variation is revealed within and between families in definitions of and adherence to anga fakatonga, and the effect of this on child socialization is explored. Attention is paid to the younger Tongans who have been brought to Australia by their parents or who have been born in Australia. Although some individuals are clearly rejecting at least some aspects of their Tongan identity, others are experiencing a resurgence of interest in “Tongan culture” and in being Polynesian.