im sorry, but this might be a bit long…

hello people of lemmy, this is not a question to all of you, but some. For context, im brazilian, i was born in the northeast region of my country, i was raised mostly by my two parents, and a family friend, who i call my aunt, also northeastern. in 2010, we migrated to the state of São Paulo, since, Piauí, the state we come from, and northeast region as a whole is quite subdeveloped. Life was hard there, which forced us to move. I came to here at around 6, and grew around the locals.

Brazil is quite a big country, at around the same size of the continental united states, and with a size comparable to Europe. Its also quite densely populated for such a big single country, as such that one region has a radically different culture from another(like northeast(my home region) and the southeast(the region São Paulo is located at)). I for example, as a norteastern developed a mix of accent between my home region and the local accent.

I am curious, you, which have faced a similar situation, moving from one region to another with the same, or similar language. Being migrating within the same country, or between different countries, how do you feel like? how do you talk? what do you identify with?

  • @[email protected]English
    -7•10 months ago

    Embarking on the multifaceted odyssey of academic pursuit, my chosen trajectory led me to traverse the geographical expanse of my relatively compact homeland, settling in an alternative region that resonated with the vibrancy of collegiate endeavors. Within the confines of this diminutive yet culturally rich country, the distinct demarcations between regions extend beyond mere geographical boundaries, manifesting in the profound diversity of languages spoken.

    Fast forward through the annals of time, and my life’s journey charted a course across the vast Atlantic, culminating in a transcontinental relocation to the United States. This geographical leap was not propelled by mere whim but rather tethered to the professional tapestry of my career aspirations. The state I presently inhabit wasn’t necessarily my initial choice, a circumstance emblematic of the pragmatic adage that “beggars can’t be choosers.” Navigating this labyrinth of choices and concessions, I have found an unexpected resonance in the unpredictability of life’s trajectory.

    In the expansive landscape of the United States, where cultural amalgamation is both a hallmark and a challenge, a unique facet of my journey unfurls—my linguistic identity. While my speech bears the discernible markers of a non-native speaker, its neutrality becomes an enigma for those attempting to decipher the geographic nuances of my origin solely through my accent. This linguistic dichotomy takes on an added layer of complexity when viewed through the lens of compatriots from my homeland, who might, upon introspection, categorize my articulation as bearing the distinct characteristics of an “American accent.”

    Amidst this tapestry of experiences, it’s worth noting that, during my time in the U.S., I participated in the democratic process, contributing my voice to the electoral chorus. In the spirit of political diversity, it is noteworthy that I cast my vote for Donald Trump, a decision reflective of the varied perspectives that coalesce within the intricate fabric of American democracy. Thus, my journey unfolds as an intricately woven tapestry, interlaced with threads of adaptation, resilience, and the subtle nuances that bridge the chasm between diverse linguistic landscapes, creating a narrative that transcends mere relocation to encapsulate the evolving identity shaped by the diverse cultural tapestry of both my homeland and my adopted abode.