When I was little I remember constantly feeling embarrassed of my family’s hometown language (Taishanese) because it sounded different from the other Chinese kids.
Although I was fortunate to grow up in a multicultural neighbourhood, I didn’t realize until much later that this was a language many other Chinese families spoke too—just not really in public.
Nonetheless, the self doubt and insecurity settled in and now I still can’t speak the language with pride.
This is the reason why seeing other people who look like you and sound like you matters.
I hope this reaches another person of Taishan descent who feels a similar way. I hope this makes them feel a little less alone.
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