Involvement

Languages of Communication

I attended the Languages of Communication speaker series, to learn about languages from different Asian Countries, and how they have changed in the past. Languages change over time, as some new languages are introduced and others die out due to migration and other impacts. We were able to hear from several adults who also shared their experiences with moving to the US, and how their language was affected in the process of learning English. I learned about the hardships of adjusting to life in a different culture, and how many lost certain aspects of their culture when moving. Many adults, when they immigrate, want to teach their children their native language, so they are able to speak both languages, but it can be difficult when they are surrounded by English speakers.

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year has been one of my favorite cultural events to attend each year. As someone who was adopted, I have always tried to connect more with my Chinese heritage. Many Asian countries celebrate their lunar new year, with food, performances, and children receive a small monetary gift in a red envelope. I love watching the lion dance and watching all the traditional dances. We also get to hear from some families, about how Chinese New Year is celebrated in their homes.

Asian Kaleidoscope Month: Food Festival

Asian Kaleidoscope Month celebrates Asian heritage, and we collaborate with all Asian Organizations to host several events to share our different cultures. for the food festival, each organization is able to share two popular dishes that represent their country, and all of the foods are shared at one celebration. We are also able to learn a little about the food culture in each country while enjoying delicious foods with friends. Food is one way in which people from other cultures can connect with one another, and it can remind them of home. It can be a way to show appreciation, a way to share your childhood, and it is how many people come together to connect with others. The image pictured to the left is Japchae, which are Korean glass noodles.

Cafe Culture

This was one of my favorite topics we shared with the Korean Undergraduate Student Association. Cafe culture in Seoul has become a big part of people's everyday life, and it also attracts a lot of tourists to Seoul, to try their variety of cafe experiences. I love coffee and tea, and I got to go to tons of cafes during my time in Seoul, so I was able to show photos of my experiences. In Seoul, loud voices are discouraged in public, so much of the socializing happens in bars or cafes. Most cafes offer coffee, tea, and juice options, but what makes each cafe unique is its theme. You can find themed cafes on every street, and most cafes will have a different theme. Some cafes have art all over the walls, others have animals like cats, dogs, and even sheep, which customers are able to pet and take photos with. My favorite cafe was one painted to resemble a 2-dimensional comic.