Written By: Alexa Chua

The Modern Languages program at RCDS reaches beyond simply teaching the language; it provides students with a rich learning experience that cultivates an appreciation for not only the language but the culture. In the past few years, students in Chinese, French, and Spanish classes have engaged with culture through the preparation of food.

Chinese

This September, Upper School Chinese classes prepared mooncakes in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Upper School Chinese teacher Ms. Shang noted, “The use of Oreo cookies, something students are already familiar with, helped bridge the cultures and made the experience both accessible and meaningful.” While traditional mooncakes are made with a baked dough and filled with paste, Ms. Shang explained how the recipe was adapted this year in order to comply with the school’s food policy.

In class, students enjoyed preparing Oreo mooncakes and learning the names of the tools and ingredients involved in the process. Ms. Shang said that food is a great way for students to learn about culture because it engages the senses and allows students to engage with traditions hands-on.

The mooncake symbolizes unity and reunion. Shang LǎoShī described the mooncake as “something students can understand on a deeper level through the process of making and sharing it. It becomes a tangible way to teach about cultural values, such as togetherness and celebration, and leaves a lasting impression far beyond what can be gained from just reading or hearing about it.” 

French

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Upper School French students took on an exciting challenge as they participated in a crepe competition for extra credit. In their video-documented processes, they practiced narrating instructions using proper grammar and food related vocabulary. Through this memorable experience, students developed a stronger appreciation for French culture.

Upper School French teacher Mr. Bataille, who brought the crepe tradition to RCDS, said he believes that food is a powerful tool to engage students and connect people across cultures. He shared that “from the people that make it to the people that share it, food brings people together.” 

Spanish

As a part of their cultural studies in May, Upper School Spanish students enjoyed an immersive churro-making Zoom class conducted entirely in Spanish. The experience offered a fun opportunity to engage with Spanish culture and connect with one another through food.

Upper School Spanish teacher Mr. Benítez said that he believes that sharing and preparing food forms connections and brings people together. He said that “cooking and food are deeply connected to culture, especially in Spanish-speaking countries, where people bond through food. For instance, the smell of ‘Asopao de Pollo’ always brings me back to my grandmother’s house.”

Teachers in all three language courses emphasized that familiarizing students with the culture through food helps them to invest in learning the languages they are studying.