Lecture Notes: Journey of a Third Culture Kid and Bilingualism

Introduction

• The question "Where are you from?" can be simple but complex for third culture kids (TCKs).
• Exploring personal journey as a TCK and the impact of bilingualism on the brain.

Speaker Background

• French Chinese content creator based in Hong Kong.
• Grew up in Hong Kong, attended local school, then shifted to international school.

Schooling Experience

• Local School:
  • Immersed in local culture, speaking Cantonese daily.
  • Engaged with local music and shows.
• International School:
  • Change to speaking English.
  • Made friends from Western backgrounds.
• University:
  • Attended a university in Hong Kong, faced cultural identity challenges.

Identity Crisis

• Struggled with questions of belonging and self-identity:
  • First feeling of being different occurred in kindergarten.
  • Faced challenges in high school regarding French identity.
  • Unique experience in law translation class; labeled as an anomaly for being non-fluent in Chinese.

Third Culture Kid Concept

• Coined by Ruth Hill Useem, referring to children growing up outside their parents' culture, forming a third culture.
• Many in Hong Kong identify as TCKs due to its international nature.

Traits of TCKs

• Common struggles with identity and a sense of belonging.
• Example of different TCK experiences:
  • Speaker: Mixed background, fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin but never fully recognized as local.
  • Husband: English upbringing in Hong Kong, struggles with local language and feeling like an outsider in England.

Healing and Acceptance

• The journey to feeling whole involves acknowledging that TCKs are not incomplete but unique.
• Importance of community and sharing experiences.
• Initiated Instagram series to find connection and shared experiences with others facing similar challenges.

Bilingualism and the Brain

• Language as a gateway to different cultures.
• Study by Dr. Thomas Buck (1947, retested 63 years later):
  • Bilingualism linked to better cognitive skills, memory, and general intelligence.
  • It is never too late to learn a second language; benefits arise at any age.

Cognitive Benefits of Bilingualism

• Learning a second language enhances brain functionality:
  • Creates new areas in the brain, improves focus and creativity.
  • Linked to greater empathy and sensitivity to diverse cultures.

Conclusion

• Emphasis on acceptance: No one is half anything.
• Encouragement to embrace identity and share experiences with pride.

Final Thoughts

• The journey of self-discovery is valid and recognized.
• Encourage TCKs to answer the identity question with confidence.