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Adopted Mixed Egyptian-Italian, Some Notes on the Coptic Diaspora

@k-herrold said:

I have some doubt about a character of mine, who is mixed Egyptian/Italian, but gets adopted by an Italian woman and has no relationship with either of their parents. I intended to write this character raised into italian culture by their aunt because thats the only one she knows, but I’m thinking: should I give them some knowledge about egyptian culture too? Or should I avoid this topic? I’m a white italian, maybe I’m not the right person to write about this

First part’s easy: YES! YES! Please let them know their Egyptian culture and heritage, there’s no reason why they couldn’t, and a disconnection/reconnection narrative is best suited towards Ownvoices (read this tag on cultural disconnection for why). 

If your character’s heritage is Muslim Arab Egyptian, get thee to the Arab and Muslim tags. This post on an Egyptian Muslim adoptee may be helpful. If your character’s heritage is Coptic, continue as I will give you some research items to consider. 

From what I know on the topic of language revitalization, I can tell you that the Coptic language and culture is in a precarious position. Ever since the Muslim conquest of Egypt, the Copts have been a minority, and have faced persecution from the government and genocidal attacks from extremist groups. Do research on the history here, as there’s quite a lot that’s happened. Arabic is the only official language of Egypt, and this has led to the significant decline in Coptic speakers. There has been an effort on the part of the Eastern Orthodox church to revive Coptic, but it is heavily mixed with Greek influences; revitalization efforts for more traditional forms of coptic are currently being undertaken by modern linguists, Egyptologists, and religious leaders. Take a quick look at this AP Archive story for more context on both the linguistic and cultural front (the video is un-subtitled, sadly, so consider it a supplement to the actual transcript and storyline on the page). All this to say that keeping her already in touch with their culture & language will mean a lot. 

There are many Coptic diaspora groups, with a notable destination being Italy, in fact! Perhaps you already knew this? This means that your character will probably have more resources to stay in touch with their heritage as opposed to living elsewhere in Europe, which is great. As for how the character might reconcile Italian Catholicism and Coptic Christianity, or what cultural connection looks like for them, I have no expertise or experience; your best bet is to find a Coptic Christian to consult. Since you’re Italian, use that to your advantage and find Italian-language sources on the Italian Coptic diaspora community. Cheers,

~ Mod Rina

As an adoptee raised by an Italian mom, I was still given some exposure to my own Chinese culture. My mom exposed me to Chinese language courses, Chinese lunar new year, and a Chinese mythology book when I was little. I highly recommend giving this character knowledge about their own Egyptian culture. Cultural disconnection, which is what I experience as an adoptee, is definitely best suited to ownvoices only because white people writing about cultural disconnection sounds like erasure. Good luck!

~Mod Sci

Calling all followers with Coptic heritage, let us know your thoughts! Your input is appreciated :)

me thinking about how homophobic the coptic church is and how a coptic egyptian Rami Malek won an Oscar for Best actor playing a gay man . Talent won!!