Both Not Half: How language shapes identity | Jassa Ahluwalia | TEDxChandigarh

Summary

The speaker, of mixed Punjabi and English heritage, shares personal anecdotes of cultural identity struggles and the journey to self-acceptance. From childhood immersion in dual cultures to teenage confusion and adult realizations, the narrative explores the fluidity of identity beyond binary labels. The speaker advocates for a non-binary approach to life, embracing the complexity of being 'both not half,' challenging societal divisions and promoting a unified understanding of individuality.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The speaker has a mixed heritage, being half English and half Punjabi, which has shaped his identity and experiences.
• 🎭 He has acted in various TV series, but has also faced a sense of division between his cultural identities.
• 🧒 Growing up, he was immersed in both cultures, speaking Punjabi at home and English at school, and spending holidays in India.
• 👶 As a child, he temporarily lost his English language skills after being immersed in India, highlighting the impact of environment on language.
• 🎤 During his teenage years, he faced an accusation of mocking Indian accents, which led to feelings of humiliation and confusion about his identity.
• 🎭 His acting career brought him success, but also a growing sense of being torn between two cultures, which he felt increasingly troubled by.
• 🏡 At a Punjabi wedding, he felt isolated and alien, realizing that his dual heritage was not universally understood or accepted.
• 📚 He discovered that national identities are a relatively recent construct, which helped him reject the need to conform to a single identity.
• 📖 He embarked on a journey to rediscover his Punjabi heritage and language, using resources like YouTube and Google Translate.
• 👴 Spending time with his grandparents, especially his grandfather, played a crucial role in his reconnection with his Punjabi roots.
• 🌟 His 'Both Not Half' philosophy is a rejection of binary thinking and an embrace of the complexity and wholeness of his mixed heritage.

Q & A

What was the speaker's first experience with the Wagga border and the wild leg kicking ceremony?

The speaker's first experience with the Wagga border involved an argument with an Indian street vendor. Although he had been to India many times, this was his first visit to the Wagga border. He was excited to witness the wild leg kicking ceremony but was also tired from a long, hot day.

How did the speaker's mixed heritage influence his childhood and upbringing?

The speaker's mixed heritage, with a Punjabi father and an English mother, led to a cross-cultural upbringing. He grew up speaking Punjabi at home, English at school, and spent weekends with his parents and summers in India. This dual heritage was a significant part of his identity from a young age.

What incident during the speaker's childhood highlighted the cultural differences he experienced?

During a trip to India at the age of three and a half, the speaker temporarily forgot English and could not understand a British Airways steward, asking his grandad what she was saying in Punjabi.

How did the speaker's teenage years shape his understanding of his dual identity?

In his teenage years, the speaker happily identified as half Indian and half British. However, he faced accusations of not being enough of either, which led to feelings of confusion and a growing sense of division between his two worlds.

What event at a Punjabi wedding made the speaker feel isolated and triggered a desire to find a sense of belonging?

At a Punjabi wedding, the speaker felt isolated when a young girl stared at him, unable to comprehend his identity as a white man dancing at a Punjabi event. This incident made him realize the complexity of his identity and sparked a desire to find a sense of belonging.

How did the speaker's understanding of national identities change after learning about their historical origins?

The speaker discovered that national identities were an invention of the 1800s, filling the void left by the breakdown of traditional communities. This realization helped him see national identities as constructs rather than essential truths, fundamentally changing his sense of being.

What fear did the speaker experience during his last trip to India in 2014, and how did he address it?

During his 2014 trip to India, the speaker feared growing distant from India, his family, and his Punjabi heritage. He addressed this fear by consciously studying Punjabi, engaging with his culture, and spending meaningful time with his grandparents.

How did the speaker's acting career reflect his struggle with his dual identity?

The speaker's acting career took off with roles that did not necessarily reflect his dual heritage. He felt a divide between his professional success and his personal struggle with identity, which was not fully addressed until he started exploring his heritage more deeply.

What was the significance of the 'Both Not Half' concept for the speaker, and how did it evolve?

The 'Both Not Half' concept for the speaker represented a non-binary approach to life, rejecting easy distinctions and historical prejudice. It evolved from a personal struggle with identity to a public expression of his Punjabi identity, ultimately becoming a way to challenge societal labels and promote inclusion.

How did the speaker's viral video about making dal with a meat substitute reflect his identity and cultural exploration?

The viral video of the speaker making dal with a meat substitute was a lighthearted exploration of his Punjabi heritage, blending traditional and modern elements. It also served as a way for him to express his identity publicly and sparked a broader conversation about identity and heritage.