So here are the questions and I promise to answer them to my best knowledge.
- Do American Born Chinese (ABC) speak good Chinese or know about Chinese culture? What are the probelms while you communicate with them?
I personally know a good number of ABCs (who all happen to be the first generation of Americans) in my life. Their fluency in Chinese and language (either Mandarin or Cantonese) and knowledge of Chinese culture vary in accordance to where they live, their family and education background. etc. Some, don't speak Chinese at all, not to mention knowing much about Chinese traditional culture; Some speak and write in perfect Chinese, enjoy Chinese food, celebrate traditional Chinese festivals in America.
Geography first of all plays a very important role. An ABC have easy access to Chinese language and culture in the city of San Francisco as it has one of nation's cities with the most condensed Chinese population. Major business languages used in banks, restaurants and other entertainment venues are English and Chinese, unlike other parts of the U.S, where English and Spanish languages are popularly used; Whereas in the state of Texas or other southern states in America, ABCs have limited exposure to Chinese language as the Chinese population is small comparing with other ethinic minority groups. Therefore the ABCs born and bred there are heavily influenced by other cultures, most significantly, American culture as a whole.
Family is a very important element as well. For example, my two America-born cousins speak and write fluent Chinese. They attend a local Chinese language institution twice a week to hone on their Chinese skills; Everytime when a Chinese tarditional festival falls, the family celebrates in full fashion as how any Chinese families would in China. The brother and sister are brought up in the way as how most Chinese nationals are brought up; although in the course of reaching maturity, they are often baffled as they face contrasts and collisions of various cultures, and are constantly compelled to make decisions which part of the culture to maintain which to abandon in their lives; they still live lives slightly off the mainstream of American culture, but they are able to find themselves easily blend in with the majority of their peers.
More ABCs choose to attend Chinese language classes as they reach the age where they start to seek for their identities and cultural roots. In my undergraduate school, Beijing Language and Culture University, hundreds of thousands of Chinese born overseas go back to Beijing to study Chinese language and culture; many more Chinese Americans choose to major in Asian/Chinese studies in American universities. Contemporary education in America provides
As a Chinese National, an international student in America, a graduate student in the communication descipline, I attempt to engage myself with as many interactions with other cultures as possible. The language is not an obstacle as we can talk in English; yet when the converstaions are about intricate and trivial matters that requires a total understanding of a certain culture, we would spend a little bit more time to make each other understood.
- Do overseas students feel responsible to spread Chinese culture in the U.S?
I don't know if I am representitave of most of the Chinese overseas students. But quoting my friends from my program, "MMC is very vocal about her country." Yes, I am a patriot and I am not shy to share my knowledge about my country with the people who still holds a very biased impression of China because of some of the politicians, most media and education channels. I feel as a Chinese national, proud of Chinese culture and value, I bear full responsibility to help the people in America to understand my country better. China is no longer a closed country with rigid thinking people; the exports of China is no longer limited to Kungfu maters or cheap-labor-products. These should be known to more people in the world, especially the people of the nation with the biggest influence politically and economically. So during classroom discussions, when writing research papers, I focus on the issues and topics related to China. One of my papers about Chinese entertainment media is already accepted by the Eastern Communication Association to be presented in May, 2008. I will continue to do so to help more people to understand China, as I see this as my undeniable responsibility.
- What kind of effective activities do Chinese Societies organize in school and communities? Are there any helpful cultural policies of the government?
Although I am very vocal about my country, I do not usually join Chinese culture organizations in America. The main reason is that my academic workload is extremely heavy and I cannot afford any extra-curriculum activities during my academic year. Therefore I am not sure what they do here.
- Does traditional Chinese culture inspire you a lot in your overseas experience? For example, any special talents help them to build good relationship with foreigners? Any Chinese stories or mottos encourage you to overcome difficulties or solve problems during your studies and lives in a foreign country?
Living and studying in a foreign can be intimidating to a great many of international students. I am no exception. Whenever I am encountered with troubles, challenges of any kind, I always read myself this quote from Mengzi "天将降大任于斯人也，必先苦其心志，劳其筋骨，饿其体肤，空乏其身，行拂乱其所为，所以动心忍性，增益其所不能。" Briefly translated as "When Heaven is about to bestow a great responsibility on a man, it always first frustrates his spirit and will, exhausts his muscles and bones, exposes him to starvation and poverty, harasses him by troubles and setbacks so as to stimulate his spirit, toughen his nature and enhance his abilities. " This has helped me greatly to achieve my goals and realize my dreams. I am firm believer of this quote.
- As a modern Chinese person, how to handle the balance between Chinese and western cultures?
There is no good or bad culture, cultures are different. I think the key is to respect all the cultures we are encountered with --- especially us, the overseas Chinese. We may see people react very differently (in favor or against) our culture. I always believe a well-educated, tempered person would have a great tolerance of any other cultures that seem different, or even bizzare to his/her own. We are educated to embrace the beauty of the differences of the world after all.
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