Do we change identity when we speak another language?
The obvious, and reassuring answer, is no. Being proficient, or fluent, in a new language does not mean forgetting our mother tongue or who we are. If this were the case, linguists such as myself would be in serious trouble!
I've encountered this misconception many times, which I believe comes from not understanding what the language learning process actually entails.
A language is a prism through which we explore and understand another country and culture, it is not a new identity for us to adopt.
As I tell my students, learning a language means finding the sweet spot where you are yourself, while embracing enough of the language's core traits to communicate effectively.
If someone speaks English without accentuating every word, the melody of the language will be missing, making it harder, sometimes impossible, for a native speaker to understand what they're saying.
Speaking French without emoting and using your body will also make it a challenge for native speakers to understand what you're saying, even if every single word in your sentence is correct.
When speaking Italian, I do not become the cliché of an Italian mamma, which would not only be offending and ridiculous, but missing the point entirely. However, I am aware that I need to more expressive than when speaking English, or even French.
Learning a language does not mean changing identities, it means adapting yours according to the culture and customs of the country and therefore expanding your horizons in the process. And that's exactly what makes the learning process so wonderful!
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