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my mothers language

Discussion in 'General Support and Advice' started by Sepina, Sep 28, 2014.

  1. Sepina

    Regular Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    New Zealand
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    Male
    Gender Pronoun:
    He
    Sexual Orientation:
    Gay
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    Out to everyone
    Just so you know English was not my first language growing up. I went to a school where most of the kids spoke English and of course that is normal. Back in primary I was not afraid of speaking Tuvaluan, or Tokelauan as they were the languages I spoke and heard at home. I stopped speaking them in school when I was year 3. My teacher embarrassed me in front of my whole class from then on I spoke English only. Mum and Dad didn't know.. and I slowly started to lose my parent's tongue(s). I spoke English only at home coming up to Intermediate Year 8. But I was glad I started to speak my language again during Year 11 up until now.

    Mum told me not be afraid of who I am because my pacific heritage is what makes me, me. I can speak Tuvaluan very fluently.. but my Tokelauan is not as up to scratch. I guess I was just ashamed of my culture back then.

    I was just wondering if you guys have had similar experiences.