Oh, the part on 'language, communication,' and 'sense of identity, belonging' is worthy of diving into. To which extent does mastering a language impact our ability to form connections and feel a sense of belonging?
For instance, during the interview, did the two of you feel that you were able to fully express yourselves and connect with each other, considering that English may not be your first language?
Flemish is my first language, but I’m illiterate. I moved to Canada when I was 3, so English is the language I’m most comfortable with. English hasn’t given me a sense of belonging to a place, but it has made me feel comfortable with certain types of humor, references, etc., When I hear Flemish, it gives me the childlike warmth associated with my family. And my sense of belonging and identity has changed over the years. I used to associate it with my time in Latin America, but now it’s becoming part of my European identity.
Hi Anna, this is a good question! For my case, English is actually my first language, having no native language. I express myself best in English, and lucky for me, my parents and all my older loved ones can understand English, but we do use a mix there out of habit.
I actually find I have this trouble in Germany. I find that I have a little trouble forming connection in German! But it's getting better slowly after so many years. I do request to speak English now at work, if I feel I can express myself better that way, but mainly only in 1-1 setting like a review. It's still a tricky balance there.
Oh, the part on 'language, communication,' and 'sense of identity, belonging' is worthy of diving into. To which extent does mastering a language impact our ability to form connections and feel a sense of belonging?
For instance, during the interview, did the two of you feel that you were able to fully express yourselves and connect with each other, considering that English may not be your first language?
Flemish is my first language, but I’m illiterate. I moved to Canada when I was 3, so English is the language I’m most comfortable with. English hasn’t given me a sense of belonging to a place, but it has made me feel comfortable with certain types of humor, references, etc., When I hear Flemish, it gives me the childlike warmth associated with my family. And my sense of belonging and identity has changed over the years. I used to associate it with my time in Latin America, but now it’s becoming part of my European identity.
Hi Anna, this is a good question! For my case, English is actually my first language, having no native language. I express myself best in English, and lucky for me, my parents and all my older loved ones can understand English, but we do use a mix there out of habit.
I actually find I have this trouble in Germany. I find that I have a little trouble forming connection in German! But it's getting better slowly after so many years. I do request to speak English now at work, if I feel I can express myself better that way, but mainly only in 1-1 setting like a review. It's still a tricky balance there.