Formation of Identity

Understanding others makes possible a better knowledge of oneself:

any form of identity is complex, for individuals are defined in relation to
other people - both individually and collectively - and the various
groups to which they owe allegiance, in a constantly shifting pattern. It
is important to accept and value the cultural diversity.

All individuals must feel free to explore the uniqueness of their culture
and identity while developing understandings of the cultural diversity
that exists in the world around them. Denying cultural expression
means limiting the expression of unique perspectives on life and the
transmission of knowledge from generation to generation.
• Culture refers to the customs, practices, languages, values and world
views that define social groups such as those based on nationality,
ethnicity, region or common interests. Cultural identity is important
for people’s sense of self and how they relate to others. A strong
cultural identity can contribute to people’s overall wellbeing. Cultural
identity based on ethnicity is not necessarily exclusive. They may also
identify with more than one culture.

• Culture is a defining feature of a person's identity. It contributes to

how people see themselves and the groups with which they identify.
Culture may be broadly defined as the sum total of ways of living built
up by a group of human beings, which is transmitted from one
generation to another. Every community, cultural group or ethnic
group has its own values, beliefs and ways of living.
• An individual's sense of identity is grounded in his/her cultural
identity. Once we have moved away from the place of our original
culture and begun the process of adapting to another culture, we
broaden our perceptions , noticing things that are done differently or
similarly between the two cultures. We learn a whole new set of
culturally and linguistically defined rules and value systems with the
result that our own perception of the culturally induced life
experience is expanded.
• The evidence shows that once people have started to adapt to a
second culture, they are able to adapt more quickly to a third culture
and begin to feel more part of a multicultural construct than citizens
of only one culture. Exceptions to this rule have been found in people
who have not yet returned to live in the original country; the country
that they still feel a complete citizen of.
If they do go back and stay long enough, they might notice that they
are no longer the same person culturally as they were when they left
originally and they also might notice that people are seeing them as
being influenced by the other culture in some way.
References

•Crystal, D. (2012) The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language. Cambridge:

Cambridge University Press.
•Language (2020) Available at: http://www.oxfordreference.com
•Language and Culture (2020) Available at: http://www.britannica.com
•Nunan, D. & Choi, J. (2010) Language and Culture: Reflective Narratives
and Emergence of Identity. London: Routledge