Beauty of Bilingualism

Growing up with a Dutch father and a Scottish mother, I was raised in a home rich with languages, traditions, and quirks from both sides of my heritage. Navigating two cultures, I often felt like I had one foot in each, making my experience both unique and deeply fulfilling. Our family holidays often involved trips to the rugged Highlands and the flat, tulip-covered fields of the Netherlands, making for a constant, fascinating contrast. 

One of the biggest challenges and rewards of this upbringing was learning and speaking two languages. My parents made it a point to teach me both English and Dutch, allowing me to seamlessly communicate with relatives and friends in both countries. It wasn’t always easy; switching between languages was often mentally tiring, especially when I was young. But as I grew older, I came to see it as an incredible asset. Understanding Dutch opened doors to my father's culture in ways that would have been impossible otherwise, giving me access to Dutch literature, humour, and a whole set of cultural references that added another layer to my identity. 

Being bilingual also taught me empathy and adaptability. I became sensitive to differences in cultural nuances and learned to bridge gaps in understanding between my parents and their respective families. My dual heritage became something of a superpower; it made me feel connected to both Scotland and the Netherlands. It taught me resilience, independence, and the beauty of embracing multiple identities. Today, I see bilingualism as more than just a skill; it’s a gift, a bridge between the two worlds that has shaped who I am in every way.