How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
With hands over hearts, the class performed the ritual that ushered in another day at school.
Shirley's voice was lost in the chorus. (6.3-4)
Shirley has started practicing American customs, including reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. In doing so, she swears loyalty to her new home. There's no mention of China here—Shirley looks like an all-American kid.
Quote #8
Mabel's picture was something to see. First, hiding the ball, she gave the stick the evil eye. Then, twisting her torso and jiggling a leg, she whirled her arm around in a most impressive fashion, probably a ritual to shoo away any unfriendly spirits, before speeding the ball furiously into the hands of squatting Joseph. (5.85)
Shirley interprets her new friend Mabel's actions in light of her own traditions. When Mabel winds up to pitch, she does some funny motions—and Shirley assumes that she must be warding off bad spirits in order to complete a favorable pitch. In reality, Mabel is probably practicing her own lucky rituals, but in her own fashion.
Quote #9
Shirley blushed. She could not get used to the American custom of receiving compliments with a simple thank you. It seemed so… impolite. But the Chinese way only confused people. (5.4)
Even something as simple as responding to a compliment differs from culture to culture. The Americans just say thanks, but the Chinese do it differently. Navigating between these different customs tears Shirley apart—she wants to do the American thing, to fit in, but she can't just discard everything she always knew in China.