Flywheel Mama

Growing Up in a Trilingual Family

Growing up in a trilingual family wasn’t always easy, but it profoundly shaped who I am today. At home, my siblings and I were only allowed to speak Chinese, but we switched to Spanish and English outside the house. Being one of the few foreigners in a private elementary school, with different skin color, different last name, often reminded me how language can set you apart, yet also bring you closer to others.

Today, I’m deeply grateful for that upbringing. Speaking Chinese, Spanish, and English opens doors to different worlds. It allows me to connect through food, culture, and community, whether I’m ordering 點心 (dim sum) in Chinatown, chatting with a Spanish-speaking doctor, or recognizing local slang in Mexico. Languages aren’t just tools. They’re bridges to empathy and understanding.

The Human Side of Learning Languages in an AI Era

Knowing 3 languages: Chinese, Spanish, and English practically enables me to communicate with the majority of the world.

There’s growing debate about whether humans still need to learn languages in the age of artificial intelligence. After all, AI translation is becoming incredibly powerful. But relying entirely on technology for human communication is risky. AI can “hallucinate,” misinterpret slang, or fail to catch subtle cultural cues.

For instance, Spanish slang in northern Mexico differs from that in Chiapas, Jalisco, or Spain itself. Similarly, Mandarin spoken in northern China sounds distinct from Cantonese or Taiwanese Mandarin. True fluency isn’t just about knowing words. It’s about comprehending emotion, humor, and nuance that machines still struggle to capture.

Now that I have my very own kids, I want them to learn the languages that I learned growing up. As third generation Chinese in the US, my kids may never be as good in Chinese or Spanish as me. But I do hope that they retain their second and third languages when they become adults.

Passing on My Languages to My Kids

As a third-generation Chinese family in the U.S., I want my kids to inherit the trilingual roots that defined my life. My husband and I made a promise: learning Chinese would not be negotiable. We speak English to each other, I use Cantonese at home, and we made a plan to strengthen their Mandarin exposure.

The Mandarin Immersion Journey

Our son started with weekend Chinese classes at age 3, followed by summer camps in Mandarin. When he entered elementary school in the San Francisco Bay Area, we pursued the Mandarin immersion program—one of the hardest to get into. Out of hundreds of applicants, he became student #24 admitted into the program. It truly felt meant to be.

He now attends both the Mandarin immersion program and Saturday Chinese school. Six months in, his comprehension has improved dramatically. The programs complement each other, reinforcing both language skills and community ties. Many of his classmates also attend Saturday school, deepening friendships and strengthening cultural roots.

The Reality of Balancing Languages

With English, Mandarin, and Cantonese already in the mix, Spanish currently takes a back seat. Still, I play Spanish songs at home, hoping exposure will spark curiosity later. Living in California means Spanish remains part of our environment. It’s in the air, music, and everyday life. My dream is that my kids will one day feel as naturally connected to all three languages as I do.

Looking Ahead: Why Multilingualism Still Matters

Being trilingual has given me a stronger sense of global perspective and the ability to navigate multiple cultures. It’s a lifelong gift—and one I hope to pass down. Whether we stay in California or pursue our dream of living abroad in Taiwan, Singapore, or Spain, knowing the local language will always make life richer and more connected.

Keep the momentum going,

Flywheel Mama