Bertrand D Hsu
American & Chinese
Bicultural Academy
徐大宏美中双文化学校
Bicultural Learning & Worldview
As a bicultural school, we go beyond just teaching the language.
We also teach and live both American and Chinese values and practices.
LANGUAGE
“To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.”
English class:
- Phonics instruction and reading aloud
- Vocabulary learning
- Comprehension and discussion
- Grammar and sentence diagraming
- Public speaking and presentation
- Writing (including cursive)
Chinese Mandarin immersion class:
- Listening and speaking aloud
- Pinyin assisted reading
- Simplified character learning
- Writing with correct stroke sequence
- Translation between Chinese and English
Unlike other Mandarin immersion programs when a student has to start early, we believe it’s never too late to learn Chinese and benefit from the cognitive and cultural growth that comes with it.
VALUES
“Treat others the way that you want to be treated.”
American values:
- Individualism: personal freedom, independence, and self-expression
- Innovation and future orientation
- Directness and clear communication to accomplish goals
Chinese values:
- Collectivism: needs of the group (family, community, nation) come before individual desires
- Tradition and respect for ancestral wisdom
- Politeness and vague communication to give face and preserve harmony
We instill Chinese respect and responsibility alongside American independence and creativity.
PRACTICES
“What is learned in youth becomes like second nature; habits become as natural as instinct.”
American practices:
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Weekly city field trips
- Monthly farm visits
- American holiday celebrations
- Western folktales
- Hot Western lunches
Chinese practices:
- Morning exercises
- Daily and weekly chores
- Chinese idioms and folktales
- Traditional Chinese holiday celebrations
- Poetry recitation and calligraphy
- Hot Asian lunches
We teach students that culture is something living, layered, rich, and worth understanding, whether it's their heritage or something entirely new.
We help children see the world through multiple lenses, so they can move through it with confidence, empathy, and curiosity.
Chinese Culture Class
The richness and wisdom of Chinese culture that has contributed so much to human society is deserving of learning well before college age. But since learning Chinese culture using the Chinese language is beyond most American students' ability at any age, we make it more accessible by teaching Chinese history and culture in English.
"Treat others the way you want to be treated."
"The journey of a 1,000 miles starts with one step."
"Act with kindness but do not expect gratitude."
"Respect yourself, and others will respect you."
These are quotes from Confucius, a Chinese philosopher whose teachings have been translated into English for the world to appreciate and learn. Confucianism is the cornerstone of traditional Chinese culture, along with Daoism and Buddhism.
As a bicultural school, we believe teaching Chinese culture is just as if not more important than teaching the Chinese language. While language is a skill that can be quickly forgotten if not used, cultural values and practices can shape and stay with a person for life.
That's why our students:
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Study Chinese history and philosophies (Confucianism, Daoism & Buddhism) in English
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Celebrate traditional Chinese holidays with accompanying ceremonies and foods
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Read Chinese classical books (Three Kingdoms, Journey to the West, etc.) in English
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Study Chinese traditional approach to health & wellness (meditation, herbs, Traditional Chinese Medicine, etc.)
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Make Chinese classical art (calligraphy, water color, etc.)
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Learn Chinese martial arts (kungfu, wushu, qigong, taichi, etc.)
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Compare and contrast Chinese & American traditional and contemporary cultures
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Study Chinese & Asian American history
Please read more about our Academics or Character and Whole-Child Education.
Read more about Bicultural Education in our blog posts below
