Between Words and Worlds | Shanshan Xu | TEDxBeaverCountryDaySchool

Cultural Identity and Language - Names reflect cultural values, with Chinese culture prioritizing family and the collective [4], while Western cultures emphasize individualism [5] - Language shapes thoughts and builds the world we live in [6] - Living between two cultures allows for noticing things and feeling emotions previously unknown [24] - Exploring different cultures requires curiosity, non-judgment, and willingness to learn about oneself from a different perspective [27] Intercultural Communication and Family Dynamics - The speaker's family experienced challenges during a 14-month stay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting cultural differences in expressing emotions [7][10] - The "five love languages" concept was used to improve family communication and address conflicts arising from unacknowledged emotions [11][12] - Rituals like daily gratitude sharing and creating TikTok videos helped bridge communication gaps and strengthen family relationships [13][15][16] Cultural Nuances and Ethical Dilemmas - The speaker faced a cultural dilemma regarding whether to disclose the death of her grandfather to her grandmother, reflecting the Chinese value of obedience to elders and prioritizing family well-being [20][22] - The decision to withhold the truth was based on the belief that it was in the grandmother's best interest, despite the speaker's initial feelings of outrage [21]