You'll know I'm South American if you read the About Me section of the blog. That gives very few options as to what my mother tongue is. It's most likely either Spanish or Portuguese and I can speak both. But why do I write in English?
Well, for a few reasons and I'll get into all of them in more detail
Helps me keep my identity to myself for as long as I want that to be the case
I can reach more people writing in a language that is considered international
It's an excuse for me to keep practicing English as I plan to use it in my professional life as much as I can
I like speaking other languages whenever possible
I'm comfortable writing that way, as much as I am in my native language.
Helps me keep my identity to myself for as long as I want that to be the case
As much as I consider this to be a safe space, and I try to be as authentic as I can, the subjects I talk about can still be considered somewhat sensitive. As I've said before, I haven't stopped looking for a job position somewhere I feel comfortable in, but I fear a company might turn me down for not agreeing with my stance on some topics or for talking about some aspects of my previous work experiences. It's scary to be the face of something, as much as it this is my baby. There will come a time I'll feel comfortable sharing who I am, but until then, I'll remain IAS.
I can reach more people writing in a language that is considered international
If you've traveled abroad or met any foreigner, you'll know what I talking about. In former periods, especially in the West, that language has been Latin and French, and now it's English, although Chinese is starting to creep in. In any country I traveled to, when I didn't know the local language enough or at all, English was my only weapon. I also come from a very touristic city and have met countless foreigners, with whom I always spoke English. English planted a sense of being able to reach bigger and further things in me, so I try to cultivate and grow it whenever possible.
It's an excuse for me to keep practicing English as I plan to use it in my professional life as much as I can
Trust me when I tell you that when you fail to practice a language you learned or are learning, it will slip through your fingers. French is surely doing that to me, as I was much better at it than I am now, having virtually no practice in the last 5 years.
English, on the other hand, has its advantages. As it is a very common language for entertainment, being omnipresent in TV series, music, and movies, it comes to you, whereas with French, in my case, I have to go out of my way to look for it. That makes preserving my current level of English much easier in the long run.
Finally, having a bachelor's of International Relations, using any foreign language I know at work has always been a perk I like to brag just a little bit about. Makes me feel special.
I like speaking other languages whenever possible
That comes with having the bachelors I have, but even before that, my parents put me and my sister in an international environment very soon in life. The United States has been a major family vacation destination for us and I've been hooked ever since I was toddler. I would strike up a conversation with random people and ask my mom for help talking to them. The thrill of being able to communicate in other languages was everything to me.
I'm comfortable writing that way, as much as I am in my native language.
I first started learning English when I was four because my family knew it would have a major impact later on in my life, especially professionally. I am forever grateful and thankful for my family thinking that way and putting us through many years of English courses. As I started very young, I became comfortable with it. The more I grew up, the more it would become part of my daily life. Half of the knowledge I have, I believe came from a source in English and it has given me the chance to experience much more in life than I would have otherwise.
If you're curious, here I go into why I started a blog!
I hope that answers the initial questions and helps whoever is on the fence about investing more in getting to know another language. It's worth it!
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