Others may claim the title, but I am certified
Chinese acquaintances tell me when I try to speak their language, “Oh, you speak Chinese so well!” But—they always say this in English! Younger Chinese friends cock their heads and say, “Uncle Greg, you talk funny!”
Years ago at my house I hosted grad student friends from China, a husband and wife. Months passed. They brought into this world a little girl. More months passed, and another little girl was born.
Grandparents came from Shanghai and Xiamen to take care of the girls. Some of the grandparents did not speak much English. They taught the girls to call me shu-shu (叔叔), father’s younger brother.
The girls’ mother insisted they practice English. “No, call him Uncle Greg. Uncle! Un-cle!”
One day I came home from work while the girls were sitting in the living room. They looked up and were very glad to see me. They had been practicing. They pointed at me. They exclaimed over and over:
“Uncool! Uncooool! Uncool Greg! UNCOOOL!”
