How I Found My Voice in a Second Language
Growing up in China, English was just another subject in school—a required class that every student had to take. Like many of my peers, I memorized vocabulary, practiced grammar, and took exams, but English felt distant, like a puzzle I was solving rather than a language I was living in. Little did I know that my relationship with English would evolve in ways I never imagined.
When my mom remarried an American, my English journey took a small but significant step forward. Suddenly, English wasn’t just a subject in school; it became the bridge to connecting with my stepdad. At first, our conversations were a mix of broken English (or Chinglish), gestures, and a lot of hand movements. (To this day, I catch myself talking with my hands—a habit I picked up from those early days of trying to make myself understood.) Those moments were frustrating at times, but they were also my first real step into using English as a tool for connection.
Then came the big leap: moving to America. Overnight, English wasn’t just a language I used at home—it was everywhere. High school classes, textbooks, TV shows, even casual conversations with friends—everything was 100% English. I quickly realized that I wasn’t just learning new subjects; I was learning English on top of that. It felt like running a race while everyone else was walking. While my classmates focused on the material, I was decoding the language first. It took me double the time to understand concepts, complete assignments, and feel confident in my responses. But I refused to let the language barrier hold me back.
Over time, I developed strategies to strengthen my learning. My laptop became my best friend, always open with three essential tabs: class materials or notes, a translator, and ChatGPT (or sometimes Google for additional context). I made it a habit to read the English text after reading the translated version in my native language. This dual approach helped me not only understand the content but also connect with the English language itself. I learned to embrace the fact that I wouldn’t understand every single word in a sentence—and that’s okay. I focused on learning one new vocabulary word at a time, celebrating small victories along the way.
Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. From struggling to form basic sentences to somehow confidently expressing myself in English, my journey has been one of perseverance, adaptability, and growth. I’ve learned that language is more than just words—it’s a gateway to culture, connection, and self-expression. While I still sometimes catch myself asking, “What did I just say?” after speaking English, I’ve come to see that as a sign of my language awareness, not an imperfection.
If you’re learning a new language or adapting to a new culture, here’s what helped me along the way:
Don’t be ashamed of not understanding everything. Language learning is a process and every small step counts.
Use tools to your advantage. Translators, AI, and online resources are there to help you bridge the gap.
Celebrate your progress. Looking back at where you started can be incredibly motivating.
Embrace your bilingual identity. It’s a superpower that allows you to see the world through multiple lenses.
Today, I can proudly say, “Yes, I speak English.” But more than that, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the beauty of bilingualism and the resilience it takes to navigate two languages and cultures. My journey is far from over, but I’m excited to see where it takes me next.
