Why do I speak as I do..
…and how does my language define me?
I speak as I do because I am me. I’m Indian. I was born in Delhi, and have lived in Beijing and Singapore. Each place that I’ve been has shaped and cultivated how I communicate and express myself to the world. I studied in Dulwich College for one year in Beijing, Casa Dei Bambini Montessori for two years in Singapore and then NPS for 6 years. Until I came to UWCSEA East 6 years ago, I always had an Indian accent. Although I began to develop an American accent after coming to UWC.
Living in Beijing, I learnt plenty of Mandarin since a young age, although at home my parents always spoke to me in my mouther tongue, Gujarati and sometimes English as well. I learnt both Hindi and Mandarin. Hindi and Gujarati have very simple writing technique, which is why I learnt to read both. After one year of Mandarin in UWC, I dropped Mandarin and started to learn Spanish. I really love exploring and learning new cultures and languages, although it is not always easy!
I think language can be thought of as a expression, a cultivator of cultural values, who you are and how you communicate. Without language expressing our feelings would be about impossible. I think language defines the way I am portrayed to others.
What kind of accent would you say you have now? I daresay it’s more global than anything else, you know? Almost like a mix of different accents all put together.