【嶺雅共賞】尊重「家務姐姐」 用語言傳遞關愛

香港有三十多萬外籍「家務姐姐」每天為僱主家庭辛勞，很多時候由早上六七時開始工作，準備早餐、帶小孩上學或陪老人家散步、到超市買菜，再回家準備午餐、洗衣、接小孩放學、陪他們上興趣班或玩耍，再準備晚餐，洗碗⋯⋯ 往往工作超過12小時才能夠回到房間休息就寢。不過，她們的辛勞往往被忽視。

雖然我們在日常生活中普遍用中文「家傭」或 「外傭」等的字眼來代表「姐姐」，但如果看看英文報章，就會留意到英文通常用migrant domestic helpers，直譯是「外籍家務助手」，很少用foreign maids這詞，因為maids帶有貶意。

Invisible workforce 這個術語正正強調了「姐姐」在家庭勞動中的貢獻常常被忽視和不被認可。我們可以說 The invisible workforce of migrant domestic helpers plays a crucial role in maintaining households, yet their contributions often go undervalued by society. 外籍「家務姐姐」作為隱形勞動力，在維持家庭運作方面發揮着至關重要的作用，然而她們的貢獻卻常常被社會低估。很多「姐姐」也是放下自己年幼子女，千里迢迢來到香港打工。每逢大時大節，她們也會寄一大箱禮物和食物給在遠方的家人，以表達惦念之情。

Crossing borders for a better life 反映了許多「姐姐」為了維生， 尋求更好的生活而離開家鄉的歷程。Many migrant domestic workers are crossing borders for a better life, leaving their families behind in hopes of finding greater economic opportunities and improved living conditions.

Home away from home 也有差不多的意思。這術語指「姐姐」離開自己的家，遠離家人， 去到僱主的家裏工作。

For many migrant domestic helpers, their employers'households become a home away from home, where they navigate the challenges of living in a foreign country while striving to provide for their families. 她們一邊努力養家餬口，一邊面對在異國生活的種種挑戰。

因此，「姐姐」雖然是護理員，但也需要我們的關心。Caring for the caregivers 正表達這意思。

Caring for the caregivers is essential to ensure that migrant domestic helpers receive the support they need to maintain their well-being while they dedicate themselves to nurturing others. 這句話強調了支持「姐姐」是很重要的，因為她們往往照顧別人，但可能忽略自己的身心健康。

那我們可以怎樣表達對「姐姐」的關心呢？

Fostering empathy for migrant helpers 我們需要培養對「姐姐」的同理心，鼓勵人們了解她們的努力和貢獻。例如舉辦文化交流項目，讓「姐姐」與本地居民分享她們的傳統和經驗，可以增進彼此的了解和同情，從而建立更牢固的社區聯繫。Implementing cultural exchange programs where helpers can share their traditions and experiences with local residents can build understanding and empathy, creating stronger community bonds.

Addressing the issue of exploitation in domestic work 解決家務中的被剝削問題。作為僱主，可以不時評估分配給「姐姐」的工作量或時間是否過多，因為長期過勞，必定影響身心健康，同時也會影響工作效率，適得其反。我們也可以舉辦宣傳活動，提高人們對「姐姐」權利的認識，可以幫助僱主和公眾了解剝削現象，並促進公平待遇。Launching advocacy campaigns that raise awareness about the rights of domestic helpers can help inform both employers and the public about exploitation and promote fair treatment.

Upholding the dignity of migrant domestic helpers 維護「姐姐」的尊嚴。確保她們在工作場所受到尊重，不被侮辱或辱罵。

Ensuring they are treated with respect in their workplaces 自願機構或可效法新加坡為僱主和家庭提供培訓，從而促進理解和尊重，維護「姐姐」尊嚴，並認可她們的寶貴貢獻。Providing cultural sensitivity training for employers and households can promote understanding and respect, thus upholding the dignity of migrant domestic helpers and recognising their valuable contributions.

Combating discrimination against domestic helpers 打擊對「姐姐」的歧視：我們應積極打擊關於對「姐姐」的不公平偏見和做法。Actively fighting unfair biases and practices affecting helpers. 我們可以透過教育大眾了解「姐姐」們的權利和公平待遇的重要性，幫助打擊歧視。Launching awareness campaigns that highlight the contributions of domestic helpers can help combat discrimination by educating the public about their rights and the importance of fair treatment.

Embracing cultural diversity in the workplace 我們應尊重「姐姐」的不同背景和經驗，對文化多樣性作出理解和接納。Facilitating the integration of helpers into society這樣可以讓「姐姐」更易融入社會，幫助她們感受到自己在社區中的歸屬感和價值感。Helping helpers feel included and valued in their communities. 例如，語言和技能培訓計劃可以幫助「姐姐」有效溝通、更好地融入社會。Offering language and skills training programs can facilitate the integration of helpers into society by helping them communicate effectively.

最後，我們可以也多多讚揚「姐姐」在逆境中展現出的堅韌和毅力。或許僱主或機構可設立獎勵和表彰計劃，以表揚「姐姐」的貢獻。Establishing awards and recognition programs that honour the achievements of migrant domestic helpers can serve to highlight their resilience, celebrating their hard work and dedication despite difficult circumstances. 我們也可以建立故事平台，讓「姐姐」分享她們的個人經歷和故事，讓大家更了解她們在日常生活中克服的挑戰。Creating storytelling platforms where migrant domestic helpers can share their personal journeys and experiences can effectively highlight their resilience and the challenges they overcome in their daily lives.

●何雅文 嶺南大學英文系副教授，擁有逾十年的英語語言學教學經驗。曾榮獲嶺大傑出青年研究學者獎，並創辦本港首個數碼英語研究碩士課程。近年專注研究媒體語言與隱喻，分析傳統和社交媒體如何描述各種人物與事件。