"Five New Words at a Time" is a story by Yu-lan Mary Ying that revolves around a young girl named Rennie and her fascination with learning new words. Rennie is a Chinese immigrant living in San Francisco, and she is determined to expand her vocabulary in order to feel more connected to her new environment.
The story follows Rennie's encounters with different people and situations, where she eagerly collects new words. She starts by observing her father's difficulty in communicating due to his limited English skills, which motivates her to seek out words from various sources. Rennie visits the library, where she discovers the joy of reading and finds words that unlock new worlds for her. She also learns words from her school, her friends, and even strangers she meets during her daily life.
As Rennie accumulates words, she realizes that they hold immense power. Words enable her to understand and express herself better, bridging the gap between her Chinese heritage and American culture. Moreover, she discovers that words have the ability to connect people, convey emotions, and foster relationships. Rennie's journey of language acquisition becomes a means of assimilation, self-discovery, and growth.
Through Rennie's experiences, the story highlights the transformative power of language and the importance of communication in navigating a new environment. It emphasizes the value of continuous learning and the role of words in shaping one's identity and connection to the world. "Five New Words at a Time" celebrates the beauty of language and the ability to find belonging through the exploration and acquisition of new words.