Gonadians

Gonadians is a light-hearted, if controversial, term to describe members of the expatriate community based in Canada of Goans (from Goa in India, which was formerly a Portuguese colony). It is a mix of the term Goan and Canadian.

Debate in cyberspace

This term, first used by scientist Helga do Rosario Gomes caused debate on cyberspace fora where expatriate Goans gather to discuss issues. But this, at a wider level, also reflects on the debate about the identity of expatriates who trace their roots from Goa.

Part of migrant communities

A significant section of this region (current population 1.3 million) has been part of migrant communities scattered across the globe for two or, in some cases, more generations now.

Lighter view

Goan humour writer Cecil Pinto has asked whether "Goan Americans should now be called Gonericans, those in Australia - Gonalians, New Zealand - New Golanders, Brazil - Gozzillians, France - Gonch?"

"Goanese"

In the past, Goans have also been sensitive about being called "Goanese". But this term seems to stem more from a misunderstanding of how people from this region define themselves, rather than any malicious intent.

External links

* [http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/2006-August/047422.html One response to the use of the term Gonadians]