In my home, we speak both Chinese and English, but Chinese is the main language I use with my family, especially with my extended family. Speaking Chinese helps me stay connected to my culture and heritage.

For example, during Lunar New Year, we say things like “恭喜发财” (gōng xǐ fā cái), which means wishing someone wealth and prosperity. We hang red decorations with Chinese characters, make dumplings together, and exchange red envelopes. If I didn’t speak Chinese, I think I’d miss a lot of the meaning behind these customs.

In my community, English is the language I use most outside of home; at school, with friends, and in public places. So I’m constantly switching between Chinese and English depending on where I am and who I’m talking to. This experience of living in two languages has taught me to be more flexible in how I express myself. There are times when Chinese feels more helpful and personal for who I am speaking to. Other times, English feels easier to use, especially when I’m explaining something in class or chatting with friends who don’t understand Chinese.

Being bilingual has shaped the way I see the world. I understand how different languages can reflect different ways of thinking. In Chinese, for example, we often speak indirectly to show politeness or respect, while English can be more direct and straightforward. Learning when and how to use each language helps me communicate more effectively and efficiently.

Most of all, speaking both Chinese and English allows me to connect with more people. I can talk with my relatives better since speaking Chinese is seen as respectful, while speaking English to them can be seen as more of a casual thing. Language has helped me build bridges between cultures, and I’m grateful that I can live between two worlds while still being myself in both.