讀書筆記 Beyond Language ( Fourteen Stories)

The article “ Beyond Language” (written by Pearl.S.Buck )tells the story of Wu Laing(梁）and Josie Pang(潘）falling in love but breaking up due to the cultural differences!  The story took place after World War II . Liang is a general's aide , he can speak English because he studied English in mission school. His father is a famous banker and love Liang’s mom. He had only been married for two months, arranged marriage when he was a baby. Although his wife treated him very well, he didn't like her. He said: any slave can do these works. They were all in Tianjin.   The government asked the general to go to the United States for a year off, and the general's education level is very low. Because Liang can speak English, he took Liang with him. Along with the general's family, assistants and a tailor. They took boat to the West Coast of the United States and then to New York City by train. At the reception party of welcome the general held by the Canton Merchants’ association of the N•Y•city, Liang met Josie, the daughter of the head of association, whose mother was an American and passed away.   Josie lives in the United States and so is open-minded. Liang didn't like Josie at first, he didn’t like her dress up and speech. And Josie felt Liang rude. but gradually he was attracted to her, they watched movie together and fell in love with her!  The general was not used to life in the United States and will return to China. Liang and others will go back together. Only the tailor likes the United States and doesn't want to go back. When breaking up, Liang expressed his love to Josie and was reluctant to part. Josie accepted Liang’s love and agreed return to China together!   Josie knew that Liang was married, and Liang didn't love his wife. Liang was a little worried that his parents would not agree, but he was determined to marry Josie.   They arrived in Shanghai first, and Josie lived at her uncle's house.  Liang and the general returned to Tianjin together, and Josie stayed in Shanghai. Liang told Josie that he would go home first and tell his parents that he wants to marry Josie and he would go back to Shanghai to pick her up ten days later!   Liang told his parents that he was determined to marry Josie, otherwise he would leave them. His parents disagreed, but they had only one son. Liang’s father came up with an idea to let Josie stay at home for 20 days. If Josie still wants to, he will agree! Liang went to Shanghai and told Josie. They went back to Tianjin together.  Josie lived at Liang’s home. Liang often went to work at the general's office . Although Josie and Liang’s family didn't understand their language each other, they communicated. Josie is calm. Josie especially thinks that Liang’s wife is very good for she works hard every day to take care of Liang’s life.  On the twentieth day, Josie told Pan that she could not marry him. She can't take care of him like Mrs. Liang. She can't adapt to this traditional Chinese culture. They broke up!                   Some cultural differences can't be made clear just by language and need to be experienced for themselves! The body experience beyond the language. We can't just read books. We need practice to get knowledge.          In the past, the concept of family was heavy, and marriage was arranged by parents. In modern times, production has developed, children will leave home when they grow up, and fall in love freely! Whether the marriage is happy or not depends on whether the husband and wife are in love! Liang’s wife is very kind to him and has only been married for two months. Why doesn't he like her? The novel doesn't explain it clearly!  He was just attracted by Josie. And J knew that Liang was married and still wanted to marry him. J doesn't love him very much. Why doesn't J find a better one?  I thought if Liang and J got married! The result will also be problematic.