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Butler Tech rolls out welcome mat for Chinese visitors

Photos: Chinese students visit area

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Lindsey Hilty/Students from Nanning, China have a "Chinglish" lunch with Butler Tech students and staff Monday, Sept. 21 at D. Russel Lee. The meal was Chinese food American style.

By Lindsey Hilty, Staff Writer Updated 10:01 AM Wednesday, September 23, 2009

While it is unclear how much of the menu was lost in translation, one thing was clear: the students and staff at the Butler Technology and Career Development Center knew how to make an impression.

The culinary arts students presented an American version of Chinese food to visiting students and staff members from Guangxi Mechanical and Electrical Industry School of Nanning, China on Monday, Sept. 21. The theme was “Chinglish,” or a mixed up version of Chinese and English.

As students explained the menu of egg drop soup, crab rangoon, egg rolls, chop suey, fried rice and stir fried vegetables, a translator attempted to explain the foods. One item of particular interest was the fortune cookie, which none of the guests had seen before. Students giggled at the pieces of paper and cautiously tried the sweet desserts given to them. In their culture, one translator said, they do not eat very sweet foods or desserts.

“We studied Chinese culture and stuff before we did this,” said Monroe senior Bo Hayes, who was the student in charge of the meal. “I think it went pretty good. They all seemed to enjoy the food.”

Throughout the meal, students and staff discussed their excitement about their 12 hours thus far in America. One highlight was a welcome ceremony that included a performance by the Middletown High School Marching band followed by a gift exchange. Another experience was riding on a school bus for the first time.

“The people are so nice and friendly and so kind and so outgoing,” Chinese student Yao Yunjun said. “I’m so happy, because this is my first time coming here to your country.”

While many student organizations planned gifts for the visitors, students also were given $50 gift cards from the members of the Business Professionals of America, because many of the visitors are unable to afford souvenir money due to cost of living differences.

The visiting students, who were selected for their English skills and career paths, will visit classes and cultural locations this week. Later this year, students from Butler Tech will visit China.

“It was a great experience, and I hope that I will be able to go to China,” said the “Chinglish” menu designer Brendae McKinney of Fairfield. “I love to travel the world and I love to meet people and experience new cultures.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5067 or lhilty@coxohio.com.

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