But What Even Is an Expat: Unpacking the Highly Contentious Term, in Vietnam and Abroad

The term 'expat,' short for expatriate, is often a subject of contention due to its definition and usage. Criticism of it being racist primarily stems from the practice of labeling white Westerners as 'expats' while distinguishing other non-white migrants as 'immigrants.' This is often seen as an expression of superiority or discrimination against certain ethnic groups. However, labeling the term as inherently racist is premature. This is because there are, in reality, many non-white individuals who self-identify or are labeled as 'expats.' For instance, historically, South Asian civil servants in East Africa during the British colonial era were also referred to as 'expats.' The definition of 'expat' is ambiguous, with discrepancies between dictionary definitions, everyday usage, and the distinction between self-perception and external labeling. While the Cambridge Dictionary defines 'expat' as 'someone who does not live in their own country,' 'immigrant' as 'a person who has come to a different country in order to live there permanently,' and 'migrant' as 'a person that travels to a different country or place, often in order to find work,' in practice, 'expat' is often used to refer to 'rich, educated elites,' while other migrants tend to be called 'immigrants.' Furthermore, many languages lack a direct equivalent to the term 'expat.' In Vietnamese, terms like 'người nước ngoài' (foreigner) or 'người tây' (Westerner) are close, but they simply indicate nationality or origin and do not carry the same nuance as 'expat.' While the term 'người di cư' (migrant) exists, the distinction from 'expat' is not clear. In the United States, the term 'expat' is used less frequently. This may be attributed to the country's dominant narrative as a 'land of immigrants' and the fact that long-term stays are not as straightforward as in some other countries. Conversely, in Gulf states, all foreign workers, from construction laborers to corporate executives, are referred to as 'expats,' arguably to restrict a sense of belonging for non-citizens who constitute a significant portion, or even a majority, of the population. In Vietnam, the distinction between 'expats' and 'immigrants' is not always strictly made. However, this does not mean the term functions neutrally. The possibility of stereotypical usage or discriminatory application depending on the context cannot be ruled out. Source: Saigoneer