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Chi-Ching Jiang

When friends meet each other in China, one may ask the other if he has had dinner. That's not an invitation, like it would be in America. Instead, it's simply a greeting, like "How are you?" in the U.S. But if you visit a friend in China and are asked if you are thirsty, don't bother declining a beverage. You'll eventually be persuaded. And the questions encountered in casual conversation -- such as your age or salary -- are more personal than those typically heard in America.

These customs and others were part of the adjustment Chi-Ching Jiang made when moving from his home province of Jiang Su in China to the U.S. in 1986.

He moved to Columbus in 1992, after getting a Ph.D in mechanical engineering at Iowa State University. He is assistant chief engineer for fuel systems at Cummins Inc., and principal of the Chinese School in Columbus, which teaches language and culture to local children.

Other adjustments were made in making friends and becoming accustomed to a faster work pace in America while working around language barriers. "Here, people are more independent," he says.

He describes Columbus as a safe, clean, convenient city, a good place to raise children.

Language barriers still exist, he says, because some words are difficult to translate.

The Chinese New Year is a major holiday, when children usually get money from their parents. The day falls somewhere during January, February or March, depending on the year. Other Chinese holidays include a day similar to the American Thanksgiving, and Christmas...without the emphasis on gift exchanges.

Chi-Ching lives in Columbus with his wife and daughter, and participates in the annual Ethnic Expo celebration, plays sports and volunteers at Housing Partnership, Inc.