“I speak three languages, yet no one understands me.” This sentence circulated widely on TikTok, often delivered with irony, and its weight softened by humor.
This reminds me of an article I read on psycholinguistics, whereby multilingual people find it more difficult to express their emotions in one particular language (often their mother tongue) partially due to childhood experiences and emotional regulation in youth. Ofc I have no idea if you might relate to it but it’s a very interesting topic I recommend reading if you have the time :)
I really liked this article! I don't know why, but I sometimes feel as though I cannot express myself thouroughly, using only one language. I need every single one and THEN I can show people how I feel.
Your reflection on moving between three languages made me think about how identity itself can feel layered, depending on which words we have access to in a moment. The way you described certain emotions only really existing in one language was beautiful and a little haunting. It’s like each tongue holds a different version of you, and you’re constantly negotiating who speaks when.
This reminds me of an article I read on psycholinguistics, whereby multilingual people find it more difficult to express their emotions in one particular language (often their mother tongue) partially due to childhood experiences and emotional regulation in youth. Ofc I have no idea if you might relate to it but it’s a very interesting topic I recommend reading if you have the time :)
yess that does apply to me :) i'd love to give it a read!
I really liked this article! I don't know why, but I sometimes feel as though I cannot express myself thouroughly, using only one language. I need every single one and THEN I can show people how I feel.
you're right <3
Your reflection on moving between three languages made me think about how identity itself can feel layered, depending on which words we have access to in a moment. The way you described certain emotions only really existing in one language was beautiful and a little haunting. It’s like each tongue holds a different version of you, and you’re constantly negotiating who speaks when.