American Translation -

Upon entering the master suite, the mother is horrified to find a large mirrored armoire placed directly at the foot of the bed.

The chapters within "American Translation" follow the adult daughters as they navigate complex relationships while their mothers provide guidance rooted in old-world wisdom. American Translation

: Lena struggles in a marriage where she and her husband strictly split every expense. Her mother, Ying-ying, predicts the failure of the marriage because it lacks a "sturdy" foundation, a feeling she connects to the literal slant of the floor in Lena's house. Upon entering the master suite, the mother is

: Rose is paralyzed by an impending divorce until her mother, An-mei, reminds her that she lacks "wood"—the internal strength to stand up for herself. Rose eventually finds her voice and refuses to be "uprooted" by her husband. Her mother, Ying-ying, predicts the failure of the