First-Language Privilege, Second-Language Hell

First-Language Privilege

Do I take my first-language English privilege for granted?

Yes, and I think we all do to some extent.

You know English dominates global communication, but here are the stats:

?? Around 85% of international organizations use English as an official or working language.

?? Over 95% of scientific papers are published in English.

?? English is the language of 60–70% of multinational companies and the dominant language of international trade and finance.

Second-Language Hell

I certainly did take my first-language English privilege for granted before I worked in a second language (Brussels/Paris/France 2004-2012).

Being in Belgium was a blast (probably because it is a small country containing so many cultures, it was a free-for-all).

It was France where I lost the ability to show up as myself and grew used to being only partially present in any conversation.

That silence became part of who I was (as did the frustration of feeling like that).

I coped/survived and lived rich days, but I certainly didn't flourish.

(And I certainly didn't make the connections I needed for my art career).

It's hellish not being able to share your essence with the world.

Until I lost my 1st-language privilege, I hadn't realised that.

(Nor had I realised the extent language competencies are your ability to do so).

You Don't Need to Love Your 2nd Language

But you do need to love who you are in it.

That's key to long-term, sustainable language acquisition and using it confidently.

A Humble Coach

I'm reminded of my first-language English privilege helping my clients navigate English (2004-2025).

They don't love English - it's an obstacle to doing what they need to do.

But I can make gaining English skills interesting, offer security to their risk-taking and share the excitement of the journey.

I can reach a person's essence, whether a beginner or advanced – and help them share it with more and more joy and confidence.

(And great results).

The Disadvantages of 1st Language English

In a world so beneficial to 1st world speakers, you may not know there are disadvantages to being a uni-language English speaker.

Really!

First-language English breeds complacency, sheltering us from the rich ways of seeing, being and connecting with our world.

You may not want to learn a language, but when you do, it changes you.

Language isn't just words, it comes wrapped in culture.

And if that is putting you off improving your English, you don't need to let 'Britishness' into your heart.

Choose World English

?? Try Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Canada, South Africa etc, or pick a city in the USA you'd love to visit and start learning as much as you can about the place.

?? Imagine yourself there. What would you order in a diner?

?? Would you go rollerskating?

?? Would you break into a park at night and dance in the fountain? (Just me then?)

Open Eyes - For Life

First-language English privilege wasn't divine or meretricious, just a consequence of colonialism. (As a Scot, I know both about being an invading nation and having your culture stolen).

When you realise that and get humble, the world becomes a richer place.

Today I needed to spend time on live chat about migrating my web hosting.

Dull (or was it?)

I can't change how people feel about their English without people like you sharing how I help!

If you enjoyed reading this week's Notes from the Margins Newsletter, please do comment or share with a friend.

Plus, if you are an artist or a creative reading this, ask me about Gigs & Jams.

When you are ready to add pleasure to English learning, see how Blue Noun can help you with our Online English Coaching and English Coaching Holidays Exploring Scotland.