Page 53 - Revistas Identidad de valparaiso.pptx

private life

The authority of the father had an uncontrollable weight, which many justified by affirming that the father
embodied in the home a sort of sacred authority, and that his authoritarianism was indispensable if it was to
be intended to form robust generations, energetic characters, vigorous souls and strengthen the austere
sentiment of the should. Great importance was attached to the family, which was expressed in the various

instances where the family group could share. The importance of punctuality of meals and respect for
manners stands out. Most of the interviewees agreed with the importance given to these two aspects.

My children are super punctual, because they have heard all their lives that I have ranted against unpunctual

people. Undoubtedly, one of the most characteristic features of this period is that within families of British
origin, the custom of speaking English within the home was maintained. In most of the interviews you can
see the custom of keeping English as the main language within the home. Only the case of Mary Lundberg,
the youngest interviewee, first learned to speak Spanish with her parents, although later she acquired the

habit of speaking in English.

However, Mrs. Lundberg says that she had an aunt who "spoke to you in English, and if you answered her in
Spanish, she would cut off the conversation." Another interesting element to analyze is that the children of
British families learned to speak Spanish with the home advisers. With the nanny I learned to speak Spanish.
However, many of those interviewed, even though they have lived all their lives in Chile, and even having
worked for many years speaking Spanish, maintain a strong English accent.

Therefore, it could be said that despite handling Spanish to perfection, the fact that she had not incorporated
it as her native language is something notorious. Representative of this is that the members of the British
colony always maintained the custom of drinking tea. Everyone agrees on the importance of this practice,
which brought the family together every day. Mr. Tolson points out that her mother was very attached to
British customs, especially when it came to food.

It is necessary to note, however, that in the culinary sphere, the families of the colony, even though they kept
certain traditions preparing typical British meals, also ate Chilean food. This phenomenon occurred, since in
general, the home advisers were Chilean, therefore they cooked local dishes. This shows that despite having a
way of life deeply rooted in the customs of their ancestors, they inevitably acquired Chilean traditions.