http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/12945722p-13793370c.html
Miao Lijie might not speak the language - yet - but she felt right at home at Monarchs Media Day, held Monday at Arco Arena. "I'm learning (English)," Miao said, with teammate Sui Feifei acting as her interpreter. "And I have a lot to learn."
The hardest adjustment to the WNBA for the two Chinese superstars is sitting on the bench.
"We're used to being in the game," said Sui, on injured reserve because of a deep thigh bruise. "(Saturday's opener in Phoenix) was the first time I've watched a whole game from the bench. I've never had to just sit and watch before. But it was still an exciting game for me."
Sui and Miao are rapidly fitting in with the Monarchs.
"Our new teammates are awesome and very friendly," Sui said. "They teach us English while they're learning some Chinese. It's a good thing for us."
Monarchs guard Hamchétou Maïga, a native of Mali, understands how difficult the cultural transition can be. Fluent in several languages, Maïga constantly helps Miao and Sui with their adjustment to the United States and the WNBA.
"I can really relate to them," said Maïga, who came to the United States as a student-athlete at Old Dominion. "I know what they feel. And they're great people, too. That makes it very easy for me."
While helping Sui and Miao, Maïga has mastered some simple Chinese words and phrases to add to her fluency in French, Spanish, English and three African dialects.
"When I first got here, I couldn't speak English either," Maïga said. "I thought I could. I had studied English in school, but it was British English. American English is a very different language, and people here talk so fast.
"Honestly, I wouldn't talk to people because I was afraid to open my mouth," she added. "People thought I was shy or not social, but I just didn't know what to say. Now, my friends say I won't shut up."
Miao's teammates and coaches tease her that some of the first words she picked up are two favorite phrases of assistant Tom Abatemarco, including one unsavory obscenity.
"No, no, no," Maïga corrected Miao sternly after she repeated Abatemarco's words. "Say, 'What the heck.' "
Most English lessons center around basketball, food and day-to-day life as a pro athlete. That includes travel, hotels and constantly meeting people.
"Miao is understanding a little more every day," Maïga said. "It's just a matter of time and practice."
The best part is playing. Added Sui: " 'Basketball' is the same word in our languages, and it's the same game."
In Phoenix, Miao played eight minutes in her first WNBA game, but she will see much more court time while guard Kara Lawson recuperates from a sprained left ankle. Lawson injured her ankle during the final two minutes of the Monarchs' 77-72 victory over the Mercury. X-rays on Sunday were negative, and Lawson's playing status will be day to day. "I felt a little nervous that first game," Miao said. "The next will be good and getting better."
Miao Lijie might not speak the language - yet - but she felt right at home at Monarchs Media Day, held Monday at Arco Arena. "I'm learning (English)," Miao said, with teammate Sui Feifei acting as her interpreter. "And I have a lot to learn."
The hardest adjustment to the WNBA for the two Chinese superstars is sitting on the bench.
"We're used to being in the game," said Sui, on injured reserve because of a deep thigh bruise. "(Saturday's opener in Phoenix) was the first time I've watched a whole game from the bench. I've never had to just sit and watch before. But it was still an exciting game for me."
Sui and Miao are rapidly fitting in with the Monarchs.
"Our new teammates are awesome and very friendly," Sui said. "They teach us English while they're learning some Chinese. It's a good thing for us."
Monarchs guard Hamchétou Maïga, a native of Mali, understands how difficult the cultural transition can be. Fluent in several languages, Maïga constantly helps Miao and Sui with their adjustment to the United States and the WNBA.
"I can really relate to them," said Maïga, who came to the United States as a student-athlete at Old Dominion. "I know what they feel. And they're great people, too. That makes it very easy for me."
While helping Sui and Miao, Maïga has mastered some simple Chinese words and phrases to add to her fluency in French, Spanish, English and three African dialects.
"When I first got here, I couldn't speak English either," Maïga said. "I thought I could. I had studied English in school, but it was British English. American English is a very different language, and people here talk so fast.
"Honestly, I wouldn't talk to people because I was afraid to open my mouth," she added. "People thought I was shy or not social, but I just didn't know what to say. Now, my friends say I won't shut up."
Miao's teammates and coaches tease her that some of the first words she picked up are two favorite phrases of assistant Tom Abatemarco, including one unsavory obscenity.
"No, no, no," Maïga corrected Miao sternly after she repeated Abatemarco's words. "Say, 'What the heck.' "
Most English lessons center around basketball, food and day-to-day life as a pro athlete. That includes travel, hotels and constantly meeting people.
"Miao is understanding a little more every day," Maïga said. "It's just a matter of time and practice."
The best part is playing. Added Sui: " 'Basketball' is the same word in our languages, and it's the same game."
In Phoenix, Miao played eight minutes in her first WNBA game, but she will see much more court time while guard Kara Lawson recuperates from a sprained left ankle. Lawson injured her ankle during the final two minutes of the Monarchs' 77-72 victory over the Mercury. X-rays on Sunday were negative, and Lawson's playing status will be day to day. "I felt a little nervous that first game," Miao said. "The next will be good and getting better."