I am an American born Chinese. My family's native language is Cantonese. Growing up in a Cantonese household, my dad spoke only Cantonese to me at home while my mom spoke to me half in Cantonese and half in English. Despite this, I grew up Americanized and was not in much touch with my Asian culture. I can understand Cantonese very well, like second nature, but I can limitedly speak it with struggle. My parents tried to teach the language to me when I was younger, but I was stubborn and refused. As I got older though, I discovered a love for K-pop and Korean culture that convinced me to get in more touch with my family's roots. My parents are slightly disappointed that I'm studying Korean first before Cantonese, but I know they aren't mad and only tsk at me in a joking manner. I plan on studying Cantonese once I finish learning Korean. The reason I made this choice is because one of my bucket list goals is to learn the Korean language and the Korean alphabet is easier to learn than the Cantonese alphabet. I found it logical to begin with the easier-to-learn language so that I would not lose my stamina before I could reach my goals.

Cantonese translation to English
Aiya = an exclamation
Mui Mui = younger sister (This is the term I am assigned in the Chinese kinship system)
Hok zhōngmǎn = learn Cantonese
-ah! = used at the end of a sentence to add a tone of urgency, exclamation, or excitement