“I have only one language, yet it is not mine”

Simplified Meaning:

This quote speaks about feeling disconnected from the language you speak daily, like it doesn't fully belong to you. Imagine someone who grows up speaking a language, but their culture or personal experiences feel different from that language's traditions. For instance, a person raised in a foreign country might speak that country's language perfectly, but because they follow a different culture at home, the language can feel strange or not entirely their own. Take the example of a child of immigrants in the United States. They might speak perfect English at school and with friends, but at home, their family speaks another language, follows different customs, and holds different values. This child might feel like English is the only language they know well, but it doesn't completely represent their heritage or identity. This feeling can be applied to anyone who has ever felt that the language they use doesn't fully express who they are or where they come from. To use this idea helpfully, recognize that it’s okay to feel this way and seek out communities or spaces where you can connect more deeply with your true self, whether through learning the cultural aspects tied to the language or embracing multiple languages and ways of expressing who you are.