介绍:
In 1979, China and America, two great powers across the Pacific, established a formal diplomatic relation. By the time the joint communiqué was signed, many non-governmental interactions had already been going on for decades.
Despite the occasional turbulence and friction, an increasingly number of people from both sides have started to regard each other's countries as lands of opportunity, or even, another home.
As these expatriates explore new world, uncover new skills, and connect with new crowds in a place far away from the motherlands, they are also compelled to embrace the downsides and challenges of international living.
So what does it feel like to be a US citizen in the Middle Kingdom? And how does a Chinese get acculturated to America's melting pot of culture?
In today's Ink&Quill, we talk with some of the expats to find out their respective answers.
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Story 1:
This is Huang Xi, or better known for his English name, Joe Wong.
Yes, he does speak English with a heavy accent. But that doesn't stop this nerdy and nervous-looking Chinese fellow venture into stand-up comedy and become "China's funniest export" to America.
Graduated from Rice University in 2000, this biochemist wasn't widely recognized as a comedian until 2010. At the 66th Annual Radio and Television Correspondents' Dinner, he roasted the then Vice President Joe Biden, gaining a wider following in both China and the US.
In 2013, Joe Wong came back to his native soil to tape his own programs, which have turned out to be fairly popular.
But how could this comic manage to tickle the funny bones of both Chinese and Americans?
To find out the recipe to his success, let's listen to a report issued by our reporter He Fei in 2013.
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Story 2:
That was He Fei sharing with us the life story of Joe Wong, a Chinese immigrant who is rocking America's comedy scene.
But not every Chinese expat in the United States adapts so well like Joe Wang. Many have experienced culture shock, frustration and setbacks.
Cao Guilin is one of them. This Beijing-born author documents his own experience as a Chinese immigrant in the semi-biographical bestseller, A Native of Beijing in New York, whose namesake TV drama was also a national hit, back in the 1990s.
Now after some twenty years, the book is hitting the shelves again along with its sequel, New Yorker in Beijing.
Cao talked with our reporter Xiangwei on his books and identity struggle.
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Story 3:
As China strides towards prosperity and modernization, towering architectures, bustling streets and a fast-paced lifestyle are gradually becoming the most profound impression of the country for many foreigners.
A great number of western writers, scholars and journalists have published books on urban China, but the rural part of the nation is rarely mentioned.
But as our reporter Zhang Wan find out, a book written by American author Michael Meyer might break the ice.
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Story 4:
Zhang Wan introduced us to American author Michael Meyer's latest book, which gives us a glimpse into the radical transformation in rural China.
Well, now it's time to unwind. Let's sit back, sip a cup of tea and listen to the conversation between our reporter Doris Wang and American sinologist Mark Levine, whose passion towards the Middle Kingdom is presented in his teachings and songs.
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End anchor:
Mark Levine entertained us with his travel experiences and China-themed songs.
On that note, it's time to wrap up today's program. Don't forget that there are always more interesting happenings in the literary world and we will keep you posted. To learn more about us, you are welcomed to follow our Facebook account: China Plus. For previous episodes, you can download our podcast from iTunes, by searching the keywords: Ink&Quill.
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