Exploring My Cultural Identity: 2 Examples of How My Background Shapes Who I Am
Growing up, I always struggled with my identity. I was born to immigrant parents who brought with them their cultural customs and beliefs. While I was raised in a Western society, I held onto my roots and struggled to fit in with the rest of the crowd. It wasn’t until I started exploring my cultural identity that I truly began to understand who I am.
Example 1: Language
One of the most significant components of my cultural background is my language. My parents ensured that I not only learned to speak their native tongue but also read and write in it. As a result, I am bilingual, which has helped me communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Moreover, being bilingual has opened up many career opportunities for me. I have worked as a translator, interpreter, and language teacher. I believe that my language skills have given me a unique perspective on life, and I am proud to have preserved my cultural identity through language.
Example 2: Food
Another primary component of my cultural identity is food. My parents always insisted on cooking traditional dishes at home, and I grew up eating food that was different from what my peers ate. I felt embarrassed to bring certain foods to school and often tried to fit in by eating what everyone else was eating.
However, as I grew older, I began to appreciate the value of cultural cuisine. I started experimenting with cooking traditional dishes myself and discovered that it was an excellent way to connect with my roots. I now cook traditional meals for myself and my family regularly, and it has become a significant part of my cultural identity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our cultural background plays a vital role in shaping who we are as individuals. By exploring our heritage and traditions, we can gain a deeper understanding of our identity and appreciate the diversity around us. My language and food are just two examples of how my cultural background has shaped me, but there are countless other ways in which it has influenced my personality, beliefs, and values. By embracing our cultural identity, we can celebrate our differences and find common ground with one another.
