Doing Philosophy in a Borrowed Tongue
Briefly

Doing Philosophy in a Borrowed Tongue
"The self that speaks English feels remarkably different from the self that speaks one's native tongue. In Korean, I am much funnier and bolder, more myself."
"Whenever my limited English resulted in an unsatisfactory presentation, I feared others would perceive this language deficiency as a lack of philosophical rigor or professionalism."
"Using a second language feels similar to using a tool that my body hasn't yet accustomed to. Language is an instrument to perceive, interpret, and engage with the world."
"My mother tongue functions much like the lived body, which is transparent and pre-reflective, whereas a second language is constantly in the foreground of consciousness."
Living in a second language presents unique challenges, particularly for international students. The experience of speaking English can feel vastly different from communicating in one's native language. Language barriers can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, as nuances may be lost in translation. The struggle to articulate thoughts in a second language can hinder academic performance and self-expression. The relationship between language and identity is complex, with the mother tongue providing a more authentic self-expression compared to a second language, which can feel like an unfamiliar tool.
Read at Apaonline
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