Aspiring to connect with my cultural heritage, I embarked on the journey of learning Mandarin Chinese during the Summer of 2021 with the University of Florida Language Department. Taking the courses Beginning Chinese 1 and Beginning Chinese 2 has been a deeply personal and identity-affirming experience for me as an adoptee. Mandarin, as one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, holds a special significance in the context of my identity and allowed me to expand my international exposure.
Traditional Mandarin Chinese
Beginning Chinese 1 laid the foundational understanding of Mandarin, introducing me to its intricate characters, tonal nuances, and basic conversational skills. The language, with its rich history, became a bridge to understanding the traditions, customs, and daily life of the Chinese people. The experience was not just linguistic; it was cultural immersion, allowing me to appreciate the depth and complexity of Chinese civilization. We learned using traditional characters, with each character holding its own meaning and some mimicking its representation.
Moving on to Beginning Chinese 2, the complexity of the language increased, challenging me to delve deeper into its intricacies. This phase of the journey also involved exploring more about the nuances of communication in Mandarin, not just in terms of vocabulary and grammar but in the subtleties of cultural expressions and social etiquette.
I took both courses with Dr. Han Xu who introduced this seemingly complex language in an engaging and enthusiastic manner. She encouraged us to perform in playful skits to apply our knowledge and provided positive encouragement throughout the two-course sequence. One of my fondest memories from this course was practicing sentence structure and grammar with my friend Liliana, where we introduced ourselves in Chinese as Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj during an introductory skit. I was impressed to witness the amount of Chinese I've already learned within one week of practice and couldn't wait to learn more.
Chinese Culture and Identity
As an adoptee, learning Mandarin is a form of reclaiming a part of my identity that was distant and unknown. It's a way of honoring the heritage and traditions that form a significant part of who I am. Beyond the linguistic aspect, this journey involves understanding the cultural context and societal norms that shape the Chinese identity. We learned about the traditional Chinese family structure and its similarities and differences to those in the United States. The ability to communicate in Mandarin, even at a beginner's level, feels like unlocking a door to a part of myself that was previously closed off.
Moreover, this endeavor has provided a unique lens through which to view the world. Learning a language is not just about words; it's about understanding perspectives, breaking down barriers, and fostering connections. One example is the song 茉莉花 (mòlìhuā) or Jasmine Flower, which has been covered by numerous artists from around the world including Celine Dion. The song's roots can be traced back to the Jiangnan region of China, and it has become a symbol of Chinese culture globally. The process of learning Mandarin has thus allowed me to connect not only with the language but with the broader global community.
Language learning through Beginning Chinese 1 and Beginning Chinese 2 has been a transformative and enriching journey. It's a deliberate step towards understanding my roots, embracing my identity as an adoptee, and fostering a connection with a language that holds the key to a deeper understanding of my past and the vast, diverse tapestry of Chinese culture.
Listen to 茉莉花 here
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