ROUGH DRAFT:
FINAL DRAFT:
British-China (Int. Seminar) Final Draft
DIALOGUE
Recorded Dialogue:
Written Dialogue (Before):
I never really thought about my identity until one day in the third grade, my classmate Sean asked me, “What are you?”
The answer seemed pretty obvious – I’m Helena, what else am I?
While I tried to think of a genius answer, Sean clarified, “Like, you’re not American, so where are you originally from?”
His words confused me a bit. I was born and raised in New York – so naturally, I grew up classifying myself as American. “But I am American. I’m from here,” I replied, not understanding the point of the question.
Sean laughed and responded, “No you’re not; you’re Asian. Are you from China or Japan?”
Well, since I spoke Chinese with my parents at home, went to a Chinese school every Saturday, and was proud of my Chinese descent, I replied, “I’m from China, I guess,” even though I have never even been to China my whole life.
Sean finally seemed satisfied and concluded, “Oh, so you’re Chinese!”
Written Dialogue (After): (Corrections in Bold)
I never really thought about my identity until one day in the third grade, my classmate Sean asked me, “So, what are you?”
I tried to think of a genius reply but gave up because the answer seemed pretty obvious – “Um, I’m Helena, what else am – ”
“Like, you’re not American, so where are you originally from?” Sean interrupted.
His words confused me a bit. I was born and raised in New York – so naturally, I grew up classifying myself as American. “But… I am American. I’m from here. What’s the point of your ques- ”
“Haha no you’re not! You’re Asian. Are you from China or Japan?”
Well, since I spoke Chinese with my parents at home, went to a Chinese school every Saturday, and was proud of my Chinese descent, I replied, “Uh…I’m from China, I guess” even though I have never even been to China.
Sean finally seemed satisfied. “Oh! So you’re Chinese!” he concluded.
