Studying abroad in Loughborough was an exciting opportunity to immerse myself in British culture, but my limited English skills initially held me back. While my Hong Kong classmates effortlessly made friends on the sports fields, I, with my flat feet, found myself strolling the university lawn, contemplating life and dreaming of connection.
My tutor, recognizing my introversion and language challenges, encouraged me to actively participate in group projects, embrace speaking slowly, and prioritize fluency over perfect grammar. Inspired by his advice, I realized that food or cosine could be a universal language, and I decided to use it as a tool to connect with British friends.
Most British people I met weren’t very familiar with Chinese cuisine, but there were always a few who expressed a keen interest. I seized these opportunities to connect, sharing my favorite Hong Kong instant noodles with them. They were particularly fascinated by the “instant noodles with Narcissus Spiced Pork Cubes,” which became their go-to snack during late-night gaming sessions.
I also started hosting dinner parties, inviting British friends and Malaysian and Singaporean classmates to join me. In the early 1990s, I was fascinated by China Trade and eager to explore opportunities to introduce British products to the Chinese market. One memorable evening, we sampled nearly 30 different British craft beers, discussing their potential in Shanghai and providing feedback to the sponsoring wine merchants.
After returning to Hong Kong, I continued using food as a means of connection and cultural exchange. Whenever British or American engineers visited Hong Kong for work or business trips, I would organize food tours, introducing them to the city’s unique culinary landscape. During these meals, I observed their preferences and gained insights into their opinions and tastes. I also prepared English speeches, sharing interesting Chinese experiences and analyses, gradually building my confidence in hosting and conversing with foreign friends.
Recently, through a British alumni network, I met a like-minded British friend who, to my delight, fearlessly devoured fish heads and even fish eyes in a hot pot! Knowing he was a true food adventurer, I proposed weekly Thursday evening food tours and cultural exchange gatherings. These 1.5 to 2-hour outings became a ritual, with us exploring diverse eateries and engaging in lively discussions. Our conversations ranged from the challenges of integrating into Hong Kong society and career development tips to the secrets of British social culture and even brainstorming business ideas together. We even had fun creating quirky English advertising slogans, like “10,000 experiences, 100 beans, 1 moment” and “Many messages, many meals, 1 meeting.”
These gatherings have become a source of joy and a testament to my growing confidence in speaking English. I no longer need to prepare speeches; I can freely express myself on any topic that comes to mind.
Looking back, I realize that my journey to English fluency was paved with delicious food and meaningful conversations. This experience taught me the power of immersive learning, the importance of understanding others’ interests, and the value of cultural exchange. And while I may never fully grasp the intricacies of British politics (it’s their family affair, after all!), I’ve discovered that the bonds of friendship transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.
