Our startup team is half native English speakers and half people for whom English is a second or third language, and all our 'culture-building' activities and communication styles default to very American patterns that make some of us feel like we're performing a version of ourselves that isn't real. The native speakers don't see it, and those of us who do see it aren't sure how to name it without sounding like we're complaining.
More people experience this than they realize.
Professional environments often privilege one linguistic culture while claiming to value diversity, creating invisible hierarchies of authentic expression.
“Where Are You with Language and identity — what your first language holds?”
Peri can explain why this happens, help you decide if this is the right situation for you, and point toward the right journey or coach.
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.