HDC 7th-Graders Explore Language and Culture at Local Chinese Grocery Store

The 7th-grade Chinese class at HDC visited a Chinese grocery store run by a Chinese family to take on a real-world challenge. Students introduced themselves in Chinese, greeted the store owners, and conducted an interview, completing a written report afterward. They then explored the store and purchased Asian foods that sparked their curiosity.

Although this grocery store has been open for ten years and is only five minutes from school, it was the first time any of the students had stepped into this modest, unassuming shop. Inside, the shelves were filled with a dazzling variety of Asian foods, opening the door to a whole new world for them. When the students nervously used Chinese to speak with the owners, they were met with immediate warmth, recognition, and respect.

Through this experience, students also gained a deeper understanding of people who may speak English with an accent. They realized that these individuals are often doing their best to communicate in a language that is not their own, working hard to support their families and contribute to the community.

This is the deeper meaning behind this down-to-earth visit to a local Chinese grocery store.