Zhou, who came to Spain nearly two decades ago from China with a student visa, has developed a career marked by cultural mediation and educational support. Her perspective combines academic experience and social practice, allowing her to accurately analyze phenomena such as integration, the role of language, and the tensions faced by the second generation of migrant families. In this interview, she reflects on education, identity, stereotypes, and coexistence.
Q. How does a book titled «They Are Not Chinese Tales» written by a Chinese woman come to be?
A. It did not come about suddenly. I have spent over ten years observing situations in classrooms, with children and parents. Small but very significant conflicts: friendships, frustrations, misunderstandings… All of that accumulated within me. Writing this book is the result of a decade of observation and reflection.
Q. Tell us about your book. Is it child entertainment or pedagogical intent?
A. It is a storybook with a psychopedagogical focus. Each chapter is a story that talks about something from children’s daily lives: at school, in the playground, at home. What it does is connect everyday situations with the wisdom of Chinese philosophy.
Q. Is there a chapter that is especially meaningful to you?
A. There is one that speaks about the philosophy of «examining oneself three times a day,» which is a maxim of Confucianism. The lesson is: before criticizing others, look at yourself.
Q. Who is the book aimed at?
A. It is for everyone. I want children to feel close to the characters. For parents, to get a glimpse of what happens at school.
Q. You have already sold out the first edition and a second one is coming. How has the reception been?
A. Very good. We held a presentation at the Casa de la Cultura with a lot of support. We have had activities for World Book Day.
Q. You were born in Luoyang, a city with eleven dynasties behind it. What is it like growing up in such a place?
A. Culturally, I was born in a very rich land. Luoyang is an ancient city with a huge history. I grew up in a very diverse environment with very different roots.
Q. And how did you end up in Zaragoza?
A. I wanted to pursue my PhD abroad. My father suggested I take a year off, and that’s how I came here.
Q. Your doctoral thesis focused on the ethnic identity of the second generation of Chinese. What did you find?
A. It is a fascinating topic because the second generation of Chinese faces a very complicated situation. Their parents arrived without resources, and the children carry a deep confusion of identity.
Q. As an interpreter in social services, what situations have you encountered with Chinese families who do not speak Spanish?
A. Very harsh situations. Some families have maintained the same level of Spanish for years, which creates a huge burden on the minors who act as interpreters.
Q. Why has the Chinese community been slow to open up linguistically?
A. For a long time, they did not need to, as the Chinese business community was a completely closed circle.
Q. Is bullying a specific problem for Chinese children in schools?
A. The problem is not with the Chinese children; it is with the environment. Children reflect the education of their parents.
Q. Finally, what would you like readers to take away from your book?
A. For children, that they feel recognized. For parents, to discover the wisdom of ancient China that speaks to the same concerns we have today.
