When your cultural identity is much too diverse for the adopted culture that you are making your own, be prepared to be surprised on an unexpected route to belonging.
I have an odd difficulty with code switching. If I have bonded with a person in one language, I find it awkward to switch to another language with that person. While the other person is doing it quite easily.
Thankfully most relationships of our times have been bilingual. But there are some bonds that were formed in one language only - Kannada with my family and English with my boarding school friends. I find it awkward to switch in such cases.
Speaking in English was the norm in one boarding school. After we left the school, whenever I met with my friends, they would easily switch to Kannada, but I would find it very awkward at first. I had to gradually get over that awkwardness and rebuild the bond with some of my boarding school friends in Kannada over the years. Now I may find get awkward if they switch to English again 😄
You are in good company, Karthik! I find it difficult to code switch to another language if I have bonded with someone in one language. This is especially true of friends in India, some of whom I have always spoken in English, and can never slip into Hindi with, and vice versa! 😄
It’s so interesting to hear the term code switching used - I saw this growing up. I Iike that you say each is authentically you. Love the way you write too - thanks for sharing!
At one point, when I grew aware of my code switching, I thought a lot about whether I am somehow showing up as a fake version when I code switch. But I have realised although I started doing it subconsciously to fit in, that expression is also me. So I shouldn't be hard on myself worrying about being fake. Thank you for reading, Francesca! 💛
Oh Sai! As a third culture family, I could relate to every damn word you've so beautifully written in this essay. Loved the spicier comeback - 150 years of colonisation will do that - Im gonna borrow that phrase and quote you too, the next time Im faced with the same 'compliment' on my English. Absolutely smiled through the desi attire in a videshi setting. And the biggest, boldest line - "every version is authentically me." Im always doubting if Im being a fraudster to people around me, especially as I so effortlessly move between accents. Thank you for validating my persona too. Oh and btw, Im so intrigued by the Maori culture ever since I studied for my certification in Education. Nottingham Uni degree speaks quite vastly of the Maori culture - very impressive!
Yes, Maori language and culture is rich and fascinating. I am in awe of the way they preserve their oral histories and their stellar oratory (often with nuanced debates on the most complex issues) is to be experienced.
I have an odd difficulty with code switching. If I have bonded with a person in one language, I find it awkward to switch to another language with that person. While the other person is doing it quite easily.
Thankfully most relationships of our times have been bilingual. But there are some bonds that were formed in one language only - Kannada with my family and English with my boarding school friends. I find it awkward to switch in such cases.
Speaking in English was the norm in one boarding school. After we left the school, whenever I met with my friends, they would easily switch to Kannada, but I would find it very awkward at first. I had to gradually get over that awkwardness and rebuild the bond with some of my boarding school friends in Kannada over the years. Now I may find get awkward if they switch to English again 😄
You are in good company, Karthik! I find it difficult to code switch to another language if I have bonded with someone in one language. This is especially true of friends in India, some of whom I have always spoken in English, and can never slip into Hindi with, and vice versa! 😄
It’s so interesting to hear the term code switching used - I saw this growing up. I Iike that you say each is authentically you. Love the way you write too - thanks for sharing!
At one point, when I grew aware of my code switching, I thought a lot about whether I am somehow showing up as a fake version when I code switch. But I have realised although I started doing it subconsciously to fit in, that expression is also me. So I shouldn't be hard on myself worrying about being fake. Thank you for reading, Francesca! 💛
Oh Sai! As a third culture family, I could relate to every damn word you've so beautifully written in this essay. Loved the spicier comeback - 150 years of colonisation will do that - Im gonna borrow that phrase and quote you too, the next time Im faced with the same 'compliment' on my English. Absolutely smiled through the desi attire in a videshi setting. And the biggest, boldest line - "every version is authentically me." Im always doubting if Im being a fraudster to people around me, especially as I so effortlessly move between accents. Thank you for validating my persona too. Oh and btw, Im so intrigued by the Maori culture ever since I studied for my certification in Education. Nottingham Uni degree speaks quite vastly of the Maori culture - very impressive!
Borrow away! 🙂
Yes, Maori language and culture is rich and fascinating. I am in awe of the way they preserve their oral histories and their stellar oratory (often with nuanced debates on the most complex issues) is to be experienced.