Xujun’s comments about a third language ARE fascinating, made even more so by hearing the blended voice in her stories. This is a unique aspect of her writing, and it’s wonderful that she can articulate the process so clearly.

Jerry

Thanks for your enjoyment of the discussion and your comments about the wonders of connecting. It’s fascinating Xujun’s story is about the other end of the world. (When we were kids, if we dug a hole, we would say that if we kept going too far we would reach China.) What is really amazing is people who spend years learning to express themselves in written language, and then hundreds or thousands of hours pouring their passion for expression into written pieces. It’s one of the coolest ways we can pull together, in this impersonal time, when we’re so far apart, and yet citizens in the “global village.” It’s surreal, incomprehensible and yet eminently warm and human.

Jerry

Friendship in America may not have the cultural context but I think it’s worth noting. We form friendships quickly, but the lifelong ones those are often the hardest to find and the most loved like a mate in some respects. At least this is my Southern California perspective.