Yes, I am a Hannah Montana of sorts.
So, I've been living two lives. Yes, I know, shocking; but
not really, not at all in fact. My two "lives" aren't separate. I'm actually
talking about two cultures. It's pretty fab as it goes.
Obviously my two cultures have been mine since birth. Back
in good ol' '96 mi madre y mi padre brought into this world a child who was
fated to live the rest of her years embracing two incredible cultures in
unison.
But let me tell you, these are two V E R Y different cultures
in a lot of ways.
So being Indian, more accurately Punjabi means I can speak
the language fluently (and speak Hindi and Urdu too (I know, a woman of many
talents, hold the applause)) read it (but honestly I'm not good at this at all)
and I can write it too (appallingly but it still counts). Whilst doing all of
this I had the pleasure of learning to read, write and speak English since exiting
that oh so lush place otherwise known as my mother's uterus. I learnt both English
and Punjabi, so I guess they are both my first languages. I also have had the opportunity
to learn French since the age of 5 and Spanish more recently. *Takes a bow*
Don’t for a second think that when I need to bitch about
someone who's in a room that I won't happily do it another language. Actually,
my mother and I do this a lot more than we probably should.
When words fail me in one language I have the use of
another. There are so many words that don’t translate well….and a lot of
insults that don’t translate well either but are ridiculously offensive in Punjabi.
It means I can impress all potential future mother-in-laws
because they do find it pretty impressive. (AS IFFFFF)
I've been watching Indian and English movies since birth. There's
not a classic of either culture I haven't watched. I've spent a good percentage
of my life watching movies.
Also songs in other languages are GREAT. Obviously EVERYONE
has seen the white guy imitating a Punjabi song, but seriously that’s a great song. The actual lyrics are pretty
fab, although I have heard a lot of kids definitely singing the words from that
YouTube video. I also love English music. *turns up Eminem song, proceeds to
rap every word perfectly*
Also being the shade I am I have the advantage of never
needing fake tan and also never getting sunburnt. (This also comes with a lot
of hassle of having to dodge the sun 24/7 but it’s a choice not an obligation).
It's always fun
when you get asked "so….what are
you?" after someone's been staring at you for a good 20 minutes before
they had the courage to enquire.
The food is pretty good. I lied, the food is INCREDIBLE. It's
such a shame I am incapable of even making toast.
Fashion wise, I pretty much am the same. I wear black pretty
much 99% of the time. I am most likely to be in colour when at a Punjabi
function, because it looks like the same suit all the time otherwise.
There are so many amazing things about growing up with two
different cultures. I can't even begin to explain. It's actually incredible; I can't
imagine being one without the other. I love both equally. I think sometime I like
to portray myself as a little bit more English, but I am secretly very Punjabi.
I highly recommend the film K3G, its genuinely phenomenal,
absolute classic and one of my favourite movies ever. Everything about it is
amazing. So if you get time please watch it because it’s a timeless slice of
just one of my cultures.
Maybe I'll do a part 2, because let's face it there are just
too many great things about being a part of two cultures.
So
if you enjoyed reading that and are looking forward to the possibility of a part 2, feel free to be a morni and share it, like
it, and tweet about.
Until
next time, remember I've said it so it must be true....
Chantelle7
Song of the
post: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham album
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