The imperceptible steps to 'becoming Chinese'

Shared words

In recent years, more foreigners in China have shared similar stories of cultural immersion shaped by long-term, everyday interactions.

Emma Sandford, a 31-year-old from Northern Ireland, has spent much of the past decade moving in and out of China, building a life closely connected to the country.

From an internship at a charity music festival in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, in 2017, to teaching in Haikou, Hainan province, and Chengdu, Sichuan province, her connection evolved from curiosity into something more personal.

Language was the turning point in her journey, reshaping how she thinks, expresses emotions, and understands the world.

"Through the language, I began to better understand Chinese history, humor, and ways of expressing emotion, opening a deeper path into the culture," she said, adding that certain ideas and feelings can feel more precise in Chinese than in English, giving her a new way to articulate everyday experiences.

Her immersion deepened after moving to Chengdu in 2022, when she made a conscious effort to build friendships with locals who did not speak English. Working in a kindergarten and interacting with older colleagues offered a closer look at everyday perspectives. Living with Chinese roommates, and now with her boyfriend and his mother, further grounded her in daily life.

"These experiences offered me an understanding of culture that goes beyond what short-term visits can provide," said Sandford.

She often describes herself as having "a foreign body but a Chinese soul", a phrase that has taken on more meaning over time. "I drink hot water and I enjoy traditional Chinese medicine. … These things have become part of my daily life now. Such habits have become instinctive, shaping my routines and sense of comfort," she said.

Over time, these routines have also influenced her mindset, as she has come to value a stronger sense of community.

"Shared meals, close family ties and everyday social interactions reshaped my understanding of well-being. I may be heavier now, but I'm much happier and more relaxed about life," said Sandford.

Despite this, she does not see her identity as a replacement of one culture with another.

"My Irish background remains the foundation of who I am, while China has added another layer to how I live and understand the world," she said.

When she returns to Ireland, she notices subtle shifts in her behavior, from bringing small gifts when visiting others to preferring quieter social activities and more collective ways of socializing.