Why Everyone Should Learn a Second Language | J Lou | TEDxHKU

Summary

In this talk, the speaker shares her journey as a third culture kid, growing up in Hong Kong and navigating between local and international schools. She explores the challenges of identity and belonging, and how being bilingual can impact the brain positively. Through her experiences and scientific insights, she encourages third culture kids to embrace their unique identities and find pride in their multicultural backgrounds.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The speaker identifies as a 'third culture kid', highlighting the complexity of identity for those who grow up between cultures.
• 🏫 The speaker's educational journey from a local to an international school and back to a local university in Hong Kong mirrors her cultural oscillation.
• 🗣️ Bilingualism and being multilingual are presented as assets, with personal anecdotes illustrating the challenges and benefits of navigating multiple languages.
• 🧠 Scientific research by Dr. Thomas Buck is cited to demonstrate the cognitive advantages of bilingualism, including improved attention, concentration, and general intelligence.
• 💡 Bilingual individuals are found to have enhanced creativity and memory, suggesting that learning multiple languages can be a mental workout.
• 🌱 The concept of 'third culture kids' (TCKs), coined by Ruth Hill Useem, is introduced to explain the experience of those who form a culture outside of their parents' culture.
• 🤝 The speaker emphasizes the importance of empathy and acceptance, suggesting that being bilingual or multilingual can foster a greater understanding of different cultures.
• 🌟 The speaker's personal narrative serves as an inspiration, encouraging others to embrace their unique cultural experiences with pride.
• 🔍 The script touches on the emotional toll of constantly having to prove one's origins and the journey towards self-acceptance and belonging.
• 🌈 The speaker concludes with a message of hope, validating the experiences of TCKs and encouraging them to answer questions about their identity with confidence.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speaker's talk?

The main theme of the speaker's talk is the journey of being a third culture kid and the impact of bilingualism on the brain.

What is a 'third culture kid'?

A 'third culture kid' is a term coined by sociologist Ruth Hill Useem, referring to a child who spends a significant part of their formative years outside of their parents' culture, creating a third culture of their own.

How does the speaker describe their upbringing in Hong Kong?

The speaker describes their upbringing as unique, having attended a local school where they were immersed in Cantonese culture, then an international school where they spoke English daily, and finally returning to a local university.

What challenges did the speaker face in terms of identity?

The speaker faced challenges of identity by feeling like they had to constantly prove their origins and explain where they were from, which was exhausting and affected their self-confidence.

How does the speaker feel about being asked 'Where are you from?'

The speaker feels that while the question is natural and normal, the repetitiveness of having to prove their origins and explain where they are from can be exhausting.

What was the turning point for the speaker in understanding their identity?

The turning point for the speaker was discovering the term 'third culture kid', which helped them feel like they could fit into a category and not be alone in their experiences.

What scientific study does the speaker reference regarding bilingualism and the brain?

The speaker references a study by Dr. Thomas Bak, which found that bilingual individuals showed positive effects in general intelligence, reading, and had improved thinking skills and memory abilities.

How does bilingualism affect cognitive abilities according to the study mentioned?

According to the study, bilingualism has positive effects on general intelligence, reading, and improves thinking skills and memory abilities by creating new areas in the brain, strengthening the brain's natural ability to focus.

What additional benefit does the speaker mention about being bilingual or multilingual?

The speaker mentions that being bilingual or multilingual can lead to increased empathy, as awareness of more than one culture can make individuals more sensitive to different layers of humanity.

What advice does the speaker give to those struggling with their identity?

The speaker advises those struggling with their identity to know that they are whole and not alone, and to embrace their unique experiences as valid and comforting in their journey of self-discovery.