How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
But Father did not seem to hear. He grinned as if he had unearthed a store of treasures, banging a pipe here, examining a wire there. "This will be a wonderful challenge. Just wonderful."
Had father gone loco? (8.36-37)
Shirley's started adapting even more to American culture, so much so that she's picked up important slang. From Mrs. Rodriguez, Shirley has learned both the meaning and the proper context for the use of the Spanish word "loco" to refer to her father's behavior. Not only has she begun to assimilate into American culture by picking up English words, she's also picked up words from other languages.
Quote #8
How wise Grandfather was, Shirley thought. Only he could have foreseen how two black eyes would earn her the lasting friendship of the tallest, and the strongest, and the fastest girl in all of the fifth grade. (5.113)
What's something that's universal across cultures? The necessity of not backing down to a bully and not ratting out another kid when you're in grade school. Shirley learns this when she is confronted by Mabel, the largest girl in her grade. She gets beaten up, but doesn't rat Mabel out, which earns her the girl's friendship. By following precepts used by both Chinese and American kids, Shirley earns an entry into stickball—she doesn't need to know English to know how kids act the world over.
Quote #9
She still spoke Chinese with her parents, but even then foreign words were substituted for those that did not come easily. Mother corrected her. "Make an effort, Shirley. You must not forget you are still Chinese." (9.10)
As Shirley grows accustomed to American ways, English becomes her default language, so much so that she uses American words when speaking Chinese with her parents. Shirley's mother wants to make sure her daughter remains Chinese, though, that she doesn't acclimate entirely and lose her Chinese self. Shirley can't help it, though—she's becoming more and more American, and while she maintains her Chinese identity, her improved use of English symbolizes her adaptation.