CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A family is embracing traditions from China and the United States with the help of a language immersion school in Charlotte.
The Zhao brothers go to school because language helps them communicate with their extended family from China
Elliott and Ethan Zhao attended Charlotte East Voyager Academy this year, where they studied English and Mandarin.
Their father, Yan, was born in China and immigrated to the United States when he was 15.He speaks Mandarin will provide them with a way to communicate with their extended family in China.
“Beyond saying hello or goodbye, it just gave them a way to connect with each other,” Zhao said.
Their mother, Kathryn Richard, is American.She doesn’t speak Chinese, but wants her children to be exposed to traditions and cultures that are part of their family.
“I think it’s a big part of their culture and it’s really not open to them. Without that part of the language, I couldn’t teach them more about Chinese traditions,” Richard said.
Renee Mathews, principal and CEO of East Voyager Academy of Charlotte, said most of their students are not Asian or Asian American.
“They just come from families who are interested in learning languages, world languages,” Matthews said.
“China and the U.S. are both world economic powerhouses, and both economies are very intertwined. Our governments have to cooperate on many issues,” Matthews said.
Elliott and Ethan’s parents said it would be an added bonus for their son to master Mandarin and use it in the workplace when they grow up.
“I think it made them realize that there isn’t one unique way of doing things or one way of growing up,” Richard said.”Our goal is to make them open to other people and cultures.”
Students in North Carolina do not need an exam or previous knowledge of Chinese to apply for admission to the school.
Learn Chinese come to Mandarin Morning school in Shanghai ,contact teacher Yang: 0086-13918358891, detailed infrmation : www.study-mandarin.com 
Post time: Jun-04-2022