Hi-YAH!: As children's book authors, we are subverting stereotypes and populating our stories with Asian characters that reflect reality. We will discuss the transformation of "Aiyaaa... to Hi-YAH!" in our own experiences and writing. The traditional "Aiyaa!" of our grandmothers, our mothers, and even ourselves is becoming a resonating "Hi-YAH!"--for ourselves, our younger sisters, and our daughters. Our mothers and grandmothers would say "Aiyaa," when they meant "oh, no--how stupid, how embarrassing, how awful." Aiyaa means "How could this have happened to me?" Aiyaa is a sigh, a complaint, an expression of self-pity. "Hi-YAH!" on the other hand means "Stand back--I'm not taking that nonsense." It is a battle cry, fair warning, an expression of spirit and power.
Aiyaa… to Hi-YAH!Aiyaa… is:
I miss him...I feel rotten. I wish he would call.
Hi-YAH! is:
Stupid jerk, he should have treated me with more respect. He didn't know
what he had. If he calls, he had better have a really good apology.
Aiyaa… is:
My friend just told me that she wants to date that guy I've been crushing on for the last two years. She is sooo much cuter than I am with her blonde hair and blue eyes; of course I'd never stand a chance with him.
Hi-YAH! is:
Who needs friends like that? Just watch me go and talk to that guy myself. Right now.
Aiyaa… is:
Those kids just hung-twung-wung'ed me. Maybe if I smile and giggle they'll stop making fun of me.
Hi-YAH! is:
No comprendo stupidese.
Aiyaa… is:
That guy just took credit for my work...again. That's OK. My boss will know that I work hard. Wait a second; that guy just got promoted?! Over me?! Well, I guess I'll just have to work harder.
Hi-Yah! is:
I'd love to book some time with you, Manager, to go over the results from my plan.
