Post by : Anis Farhan

More Than Just Words

We live in a time where people move freely across borders. International schools teach in English. Workplaces are filled with different accents. Yet in this globally connected world, the way you speak — your name, your language, your accent — still matters deeply.

Whether you're applying for a job, introducing yourself in a new city, or simply saying your name in class, the reaction you get often reflects more than politeness. It tells a story about power, prejudice, and pride. This article explores why language and identity are still deeply linked — and why they should be respected, not erased.

What’s in a Name? Everything.

Names are more than labels — they carry history, meaning, and identity. Yet, people with names that sound "foreign" or "unfamiliar" are often pressured to shorten, change, or explain them, especially in Western settings.

A Chinese student named Xinyi might become “Cindy” in the U.S. A Nigerian professional named Oluwaseun might go by “Sean” in London. These changes aren’t just about pronunciation — they reflect an effort to blend in and avoid discomfort.

But this adaptation often comes at a cost. Studies show that people with “ethnic” names are less likely to be called for job interviews. Children with non-English names are more likely to face teasing in school. In subtle ways, names become barriers to belonging — even when the person has done nothing but be themselves.

Yet in recent years, there's been a powerful movement to reclaim names. From celebrities like Uzo Aduba and Hasan Minhaj refusing to change their names, to social media campaigns like #SayMyName, people are asking the world to meet them on their terms — not shrink themselves to fit in.

Languages We Lose — and Why It Matters

Across the world, young people are growing up speaking English more fluently than their mother tongue. This isn’t always by choice. In many countries, schools discourage regional or indigenous languages. Parents may prefer their children speak only the dominant language, fearing it will improve job prospects.

As a result, languages are disappearing. UNESCO warns that nearly 40% of the world’s 7,000 languages are at risk of extinction. These aren’t just words being lost — they’re entire ways of thinking, storytelling, and seeing the world.

When a language dies, we lose not just communication but culture, identity, and intergenerational wisdom. Many people later regret not learning their grandparents’ tongue — realizing too late that it held a piece of who they are.

That’s why language revival is gaining attention. In New Zealand, Māori is being taught again in schools. In India, regional languages like Tamil, Assamese, and Marathi are being promoted through digital platforms. Around the world, young people are reclaiming lost languages — and with them, a sense of belonging.

The Accent Dilemma

An accent can instantly reveal where you're from — and sometimes, how the world treats you. A British accent may be praised as “charming,” while an African or South Asian one may be called “strong” or “hard to understand.” These coded phrases often mask a deeper bias.

In professional spaces, people with non-Western accents often report being talked over, misunderstood, or overlooked — even when they are highly skilled. Call center workers are trained to adopt neutral or “Western” accents. Immigrants are told to “speak properly.” It’s a subtle but powerful message: speak like us, or be considered less capable.

But accents are not errors — they are evidence of multilingual ability. They show that someone learned another language later in life and is using it successfully. That is something to admire, not mock.

Fortunately, attitudes are slowly changing. With diverse voices on podcasts, YouTube, and international news, audiences are getting used to hearing different accents. Still, there’s more work to be done in challenging the idea that intelligence or professionalism sounds a certain way.

Language as Power

The languages we speak — and how we speak them — can either open doors or close them. English, for example, is often treated as the language of success. Fluency in it can mean better jobs, wider networks, and higher status. But it can also make people feel trapped between two worlds — especially those who must leave their mother tongue behind to “make it” globally.

In post-colonial societies, this is especially sensitive. People wrestle with the idea that the very language of the former colonizer is now the key to upward mobility. Does speaking English mean progress — or surrender?

The answer isn’t simple. It’s possible to embrace global languages while still valuing local ones. Multilingualism is not a burden — it’s a strength. The challenge is creating spaces where people don’t have to choose between success and selfhood.

Reclaiming Identity Through Voice

In recent years, more people have started embracing their linguistic roots. Social media is filled with creators teaching forgotten scripts, singing folk songs, and making comedy in local dialects. Universities are offering courses in endangered languages. Podcasts and films in regional tongues are gaining global audiences.

Even tech is catching up — apps now offer more translation tools, and companies like Google and Meta are investing in language preservation technology.

This reclaiming is not just about communication. It’s about saying: “My voice matters — in any language, with any accent, and with my real name.”

Final Thoughts: The Right to Speak Freely — and Fully

In a truly global world, diversity of language, name, and voice should be celebrated — not erased. We don’t all need to sound the same to belong. In fact, the richness of human identity comes from these differences.

So the next time you hear a name you don’t know, ask how it’s pronounced. If someone speaks with an accent, listen patiently. If you’ve forgotten your mother tongue, consider learning it again. Because in these small ways, we honor where we come from — and build a world where everyone can speak proudly.

Disclaimer

This article is published by Newsible Asia for educational and editorial use. It does not reflect the stance of any political or linguistic group. Readers are encouraged to explore their own cultural roots and language rights with respect and curiosity.