The Challenges of being a multicultural polyglot in a world where we are labelled by our skin color
My Holland (MBA,MA)
EQuest Asia CEO | Certified LEGO? SERIOUS PLAY?| TedX speaker | Founder VK N? |Transforming leaders |Positive Strategist | EQ & Positive Psy.| Engagement Consultant, Author, Eurocham WIB | Iaidoka
The Challenges of being a multicultural polyglot in a world where we are labelled by our skin color
I was born in France and lived there for the first 22 years of my life. Moved to the USA to do my second Masters. I then spent several years working in Asia, before moving to Australia, where I lived for 22 years. I am fluent in French, English, and Vietnamese, and I have a basic knowledge of several other languages and cultural understanding.
Being a multicultural polyglot has been a great gift, but it has also come with its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of acceptance that I sometimes experience from others. When I go back to France, people often assume that I don't speak French… as I look Asian. When I go back to Australia, people don't believe that I can speak English fluently. They start with a rather offensive over articulated bogan accent? “ WHERE? ? ARE? ? YOU ? FROM? DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?” And when I go to Vietnam, people expect me to speak Vietnamese like a native while I was born in France.
This is quite a common issue for many. But if you are not fair skin, the look is rather condescending. My caucasian husband always get compliments for his whatever Oz or Kiwi or English or Scottish accent. A really interesting ice breaker which unites everyone, which makes everyone feel comfortable. At least we know what it is! At least we can relate and admire an accent from the ex colonies!? He speaks 2 words in Vietnamese and the whole crowd is in admiration. I speak in Japanese (my BA was in Japanese), and no-one notices, or they comment on the lack of fluency or choice of the words.
This lack of acceptance or selective acceptance can make me feel like I don't belong anywhere. I feel like I'm always having to prove myself, and it can be exhausting. At least when you have a few degrees people don’t treat you like you are ‘fresh from the boat’ (but they need to know).
I’ve also experienced some discrimination, both subtle and overt. For example, in France I was once asked by a shopkeeper if I speak French when I had been conversing with for a her few minutes… or commenting on Oh your French is ALMOST perfect (when he is obviously not born in France!).
In Australia I was once asked by a colleague if I was really a university lecturer because I didn't have an Australian accent. I guess I don’t speak bogan Aussie slang… But I taught English grammar to my Aussie university students (this was before they could get AI to do the hard work for them).? In Vietnam I was once told by a taxi driver that I was a "fake Vietnamese" because I didn't speak Vietnamese like a native.
So it’s all about power. ‘Petit chef’ mindset. We all experience discrimination (mine is minor compared to racial physical aggression or job discrimination), so somehow either we practice empathy with others or we practice power over others. This later makes you feel superior (the roots of racism of course).
It's frustrating to experience discrimination, especially when it comes from people who are not from the same culture as you. It makes you feel like you're never going to be accepted, no matter where you go. But it's important to remember that you are not alone. There are many people who have experienced discrimination, and there are resources available to help you cope. You can find support groups, online forum, and even legal help if you need it.
The most important thing is to not let the discrimination get to you. Be proud of your cultural identity and don't let anyone make you feel like you don't belong. Keep your name. I like to advocate for avoiding anglicising our names. Your skin color is part of you and you belong where you are. Your accent is your identity. Speaking English is not a proof of your intelligence.
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Remember, home is where the heart is, and your heart is wherever you feel accepted and loved.
Here are some additional thoughts on the challenges of being a multicultural polyglot in a world where appearances matter:
? The pressure to conform. When you're constantly surrounded by people who look different from you, it can be tempting to try to fit in by changing your appearance or your behaviour. But this can be a mistake. Trying to conform to someone else's expectations will only make you feel more lost and insecure.
? The feeling of being an outsider. No matter where you go, you'll always be seen as an outsider to some degree. This can be isolating and lonely, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are many other people who feel the same way.
? The need to constantly explain yourself. People will often ask you questions about your background and your culture. This can be tiring, but it's important to be patient and understanding. Remember, most people are just curious and don't mean to be offensive. I am reminding myself that most of them have good intentions, even if awkwardly expressed.
Despite the challenges, there are also many benefits to being a multicultural polyglot. Here are a few:
? A broader perspective. Having exposure to different cultures can help you develop a broader perspective on the world. You'll learn to appreciate different ways of thinking and doing things.
? A stronger sense of self is possible. When you're constantly challenged to define yourself, it can help you develop a stronger sense of self. You'll learn to be more confident and comfortable in your own skin.
? A more open mind. Being exposed to different cultures can help you become more open-minded and tolerant of others. You'll learn to see the world through different eyes.
If you are a multicultural polyglot, I know that you can relate to the challenges that I've described. But I also know that you are strong and resilient. It’s an asset in a D&I workplace culture. You have the power to overcome any challenge that comes your way. So don't let anyone make you feel like you don't belong. Be proud of who you are and where you come from.
I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, please feel free to leave a comment below.
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Mindful wishes
My
Development Comms | Diplomacy | Research
1 年Oh my god!! This is so beautifully articulated and hit my own experience so well!! I was born by an immigrant and a foreigner (both with complex backgrounds) in a third host country. Growing up with a foreign name, I am still asked about my background all the (f*) time and it still bothers me so much, even though I speak fluent Vietnamese. I really feel like I was never accepted anywhere as you rightly pointed out. Ironically, when I went to certain countries, Thailand for example, and spoke broken Thai they were so shocked that I was a foreigner - it was the first time I felt like belonging :) I need to learn to be patient as you mentioned when people ask me where I come from.... [I typically just ignore it or nod "Yes, I'm Korean" (0% Korean hehe)] I have also gone through a really long journey trying to come with my identity too, and it was not easy - nor was it similar to any other person in my family, strangely enough!
Co-creating Resilient Leadership for Social Impact| Coaching Purposeful Team Development | Enabling People, Teams & Organizations with transformative change I PCC, ICF accredited
1 年Thanks for sharing your experiences, My. I’ve experienced similar. It has certainly fortified my commitment to creating community wherever I’ve landed. It’s also created a powerful awareness since I was a kid that diversity has both visible and invisible aspects. Hope we can break bread again soon and talk more!
I founded a charity to break down barriers to participating in sport.
1 年Really insightful article.
Reimagining Medicines at Novartis AG | Marketing Management at St. Gallen University | Enthusiastic T-shaped marketeer with passion for novel challenges
1 年I read the article twice and could relate to all challenges and advantages. Thank you for putting them to words - they made me and definitely a lot of people feel heard and stronger in their own multicultural self. One of the questions I ask myself is whether the challenges tied to it are to be collectively overcome, and the multiculturalism to be somewhat normalized, that we are in fact perfectly normal and average - or should we rather let it be, or even propel it to be our defining characteristic, and play it to our advantage in the workplace and private areas of life - well aware of it always going to (unnecessarily) put our sense of self in question. I reckon I already know the answer for myself, thus am curious about my peers perspectives.
Creative Consultant, Managing Partner at REMstudio
1 年A very insightful article and I felt related to in some way. I hope your article will reach those who need to read it, on both sides. I admire your multicultural experiences and the journeys you've been through ??