I may be missing out on a deeper appreciation of the culture, but I’ve learned to live with it – thank goodness for translation apps.
The author, ethnically Chinese, reflects on their identity and language challenges. They often face assumptions based on their appearance, leading them to explain their background. Growing up in Malaysia, they spoke Chinese at home but were immersed in English due to their parents' emphasis on the language. Their parents, though not highly educated, became fluent English speakers and encouraged a love for reading and media. The author questions what it means to be Chinese, referencing figures like Bruce Lee as cultural icons.
