LibraryScenariosWhy perfect English doesn't guarantee acceptance
Scenario

Why perfect English doesn't guarantee acceptance

I speak perfect English but still get asked where I'm really from and I'm starting to hate how American I sound.

Juana
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Linguistic assimilation fails to provide the social acceptance it promised, creating resentment toward adopted identity.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Language and identity — what your first language holds?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.