Bilingual Identity: From Accent to Superpower?
Being bilingual often means navigating a world where your language skills are both a STRENGTH and, sometimes, a SOURCE OF INSECURITY.
Whether your family moved to a new country for better opportunities or out of necessity, learning a new language became a vital part of your journey. Yet, with this new language often comes an accent that makes you stand out. Comments like, "Where is your accent from?" or "Wow, your English is good," can evoke mixed feelings of pride in your language skills and a sense of being different.
Growing up, my high school English teacher told me to only watch English TV (no more telenovelas) and read the newspaper (you can guess how old I am by this sentence). She wanted to help me fit in by helping me lose my accent.
On social media or in the news, we often see videos of people yelling at others to "go back to your country" or saying, "In this country, we speak only English," when individuals speak another language that is not seen as Western or European. Whenever someone pointed out my accent, I felt embarrassed because I didn't sound like everyone else. The focus on my accent made me feel like I didn't fully belong, no matter how fluent my English became. These experiences can create a deep sense of "otherness," making it feel like you will always be seen as different no matter how well you adapt.
Let's also clarify that if you have a European accent, people embrace and romanticize that accent, and those individuals are welcome. So often leaving us wondering if the accent is the issue or really the country of origin that is rejected.
Despite these challenges, my bilingualism was also a superpower.
Whenever someone needed a translation, I was the go-to person, from family members, school, to work settings. My ability to bridge language barriers was invaluable but often went unrewarded. Being bilingual became a skill that others relied on, yet there was rarely compensation beyond a simple "thank you." More troublingly, this superpower didn't translate into paid opportunities. I was frequently overlooked for promotions or leadership roles in favor of others who fit the more traditional, monolingual mold, often seen as more professional.
This experience is not unique to me.
Many BIPOC/majority world individuals find themselves in similar situations where their language skills are seen as an asset only when convenient for others. However, we are often marginalized regarding career advancement. The very thing that makes us unique, our ability to speak, read, write, and think in multiple languages, can also be why we are excluded from opportunities in a predominantly monolingual world.
It's essential to recognize that being bilingual is more than just a practical skill; it's a cultural strength that brings diversity and richness to any environment. It allows us to connect with different communities, understand various perspectives, and contribute in ways monolingual individuals cannot.
The challenge lies in shifting the narrative from seeing an accent as a marker of difference to viewing it as a badge of adaptability.
Our accent tells a story of knowledge, determination, and the ability to navigate multiple worlds. It's time to reclaim the narrative, to be proud of your bilingual identity, and to seek recognition not just for your language skills but for the unique insights and contributions you bring.
By embracing our accents, we can change how we are perceived and ensure that our superpower is acknowledged and valued in every aspect of our lives.
Call today to schedule an appointment and start your path toward self-discovery, and empowerment. Let's work together to navigate this journey, honoring and empowering you to thrive.