Where Are You From?

Episode Summary: I talk with a Canadian friend about stereotypes and identity.

Note: This episode is dedicated to Thekla. She reminds me every week that curiosity and genuine interest in others are possible at any age.

English Level: B2 🇨🇦🇨🇦

Show Notes:

What was it like to be a Chinese-Canadian in Canada? (1:56)
How influential was your banana identity? (7:20)
Where are you really from? (12:24)
How would you like people to interact with you the first time they meet you? (15:34)
Can you tell us about your life in Vienna? (19:20)
Can you tell us the story of the Chinese restaurant? (23:40)
Final thoughts (31:49)

Vocabulary Words:

Nuance (noun): a subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.
Reflect (verb): think deeply or carefully about.
Influential (adj.): having great influence on someone or something.
to crave (verb): feel a powerful desire for (something).
Sensitive (adj.): easily offended or upset.
Distinction (noun): a difference or contrast between similar things or people.
To offend (verb): cause to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful.

Phrases to Remember:

In a nutshell: Use the phrase in a nutshell when you want to make it clear that you’re going to sum something up in just a few words. Another way to say this would be “to make a long story short.”
to stick out: be extremely noticeable.
to give pushback: resistance or opposition in response to a policy or regulation especially by those affected.
formative years: periods of early childhood and youth
two sides of the same coin: If two things are two sides of the same coin, they are very closely related although they seem different
to come across: (of a person) appear or sound in a specified way; give a specified impression.
take something the wrong way: To misunderstand or misinterpret something, especially in such a way as to take offense at what is said or done.
to know better: to be smart or sensible enough not to do something.
to follow up: pursue or investigate something further.
to get someone: to understand someone
to poke fun at someone/something: to make someone or something seems ridiculous by making jokes about the person or thing.