Finding my Chinese normal

Day five was full of great experiences. I co-taught an undergraduate research methods course, greeted a very enthusiastic older gentleman on a bicycle, and took a little time to revel in the unique appliances in my apartment. In what I count as a great victory, I finally, through sheer stubbornness and distracting myself to stay awake later, managed to stay awake all day and then sleep from 10pm to 5am. Whew! Jet lag, be gone!

The undergraduate research methods course consisted of four students with remarkable English skills. They were interactive and asked wonderful questions. I was absolutely impressed.

Chinese communication scholars are very much tied to quantitative methods primarily through administering questionnaires and then reporting the statistical analysis of the results. My Chinese counterpart is interested in expanding the students’ understanding of qualitative methods (interviewing, ethnographic studies, etc.) because it provides a broader base of research options. He mentioned that young people entering “creative fields” like video production and graphic design don’t seem interested in traditional survey research. However, he wants to increase research activity at the University and sees introduction of new methods as a way to do that. I am extremely honored that he found me worthy of sharing my work with his students.

As my counterpart and I walked to the classroom, we chatted in English. He lived in the United States for two years and has visited at least one time a year over the past seven years, so he’s tolerant of my lack of Mandarin language skills. About halfway there, an older man rode by us on a bicycle and yelled, “Hello!” as he zoomed by. I turned and yelled, “Hello!” in return and I could hear him laughing with delight as he continued on his way. I love people. Like, I really enjoy them. That’s my favorite part of traveling and exploring new places. And, it’s especially fun to see someone excited to see me.

My apartment, as people noted on social media, is very nice. It’s full of unexpected delights. I took some photos to share here. For your viewing pleasure, I offer a scale in the living room, the outlets for which I did not prepare, a fancy combination washer/dryer, and my new favorite thing, a sort of portable electric burner that cooks things faster than you can turn around to wash prep dishes. I want one at home.

As always, thanks for reading about my adventures on day five. Things are settling down and I’m beginning work on research and academic writing. It feels good to find my Chinese normal.