Discussion: Our Linguistic Identity

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Grade 8 ELL are about to embark on an interesting project about how English language is used by people outside the main English speaking countries. It will help them a great deal if you could add your voice to this discussion by answering one or more of the following questions:

  1. How does it feel to switch between different “language worlds”?

  2. Have you ever felt that a part of your identity was not understood or was looked down upon in a different context (e.g., a local dialect being seen as “uneducated” compared to Mandarin or English)?

  3. Are there any specific experiences that have shaped your attitude towards the languages you use?

    You could also read the ‘Global Englishes and Linguistic Identity Poems’ here to see if any of them resonate with you 🙂

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Comments (3)

  1. Switching between my languages—Mandarin, English, and now German—feels like I have different personalities for each one. Mandarin is my home language; it’s comfortable and direct. English is my school and internet language; it’s flexible and open. Now, learning German is like solving a puzzle. It feels very structured and logical, and my brain has to work in a new way. It can be tiring to switch between them, but it also makes me feel like a citizen of the world.

    I haven’t felt looked down on for speaking Mandarin, but sometimes people see it as just a “school subject” or something very foreign. They don’t always understand that it’s a big part of my identity and my family life. Now that I’m learning German, I sometimes feel shy or worried about making mistakes, which is a new feeling. It makes me respect anyone who learns another language, because it’s really hard work!

    My experiences have shaped how I see my languages. Learning English showed me a whole new world of friends and ideas. It made me more confident. Now, learning German is teaching me patience and how to laugh at my own mistakes. It reminds me that it’s okay not to be perfect. So, Mandarin is my heart, English is my voice to the world, and German is my new brain challenge. They all help me understand different parts of life.

    FROM THE NERDY GATOR KID

    😀 THIS TOOK A LONG TIME TO WRITE SO PLEASE GIVE ME SOME LIKES AND COMMENTS