What is Native Language Anxiety (NLA)?
Native Language Anxiety (NLA) is a unique challenge faced by those who have adapted to using a language other than their native tongue. It’s a feeling of discomfort, hesitation, or anxiety that arises when switching back to your native language after having adopted a preferred, second language for everyday communication. Many people find themselves more fluent and comfortable in their preferred language, often defaulting to it even when writing longer texts or holding conversations. The process of returning to their native language can feel clumsy, unfamiliar, and even intimidating.
Why I Created Language Anxiety Tales
As someone who has personally experienced the impact of NLA, I’m passionate about shedding light on this under-discussed topic. When I moved to Australia, I gradually shifted to English as my preferred language. Despite growing up speaking another language, I found that communicating in English became more natural and comfortable for me over time. This shift, while liberating, also brought about an unexpected challenge: a growing sense of anxiety when switching back to my native language.
I launched Language Anxiety Tales to create a space where we can talk openly about these experiences, share stories, and raise awareness about NLA. The channel explores the complexities of language preferences, identity, and the emotional impact of losing fluency in your native tongue.
What I’d Like to Achieve
As someone who has personally experienced the impact of NLA, I’m passionate about shedding light on this
My goal with Language Anxiety Tales is to start a conversation about NLA, provide support, and build a community for people who experience similar struggles. Through storytelling, interviews, and in-depth discussions, I hope to help others understand that they are not alone. By sharing my own journey and insights, I want to provide comfort and practical advice for navigating the challenges of NLA.
I’m also conducting a study/survey as part of my efforts to better understand the prevalence and impact of NLA. I invite you to participate and share your experiences. Your insights will help us paint a clearer picture of what it’s like to live with NLA and how it affects people from different linguistic backgrounds. The results of the survey will be featured in upcoming videos on the channel.
under-discussed topic. When I moved to Australia, I gradually shifted to English as my preferred language. Despite growing up speaking another language, I found that communicating in English became more natural and comfortable for me over time. This shift, while liberating, also brought about an unexpected challenge: a growing sense of anxiety when switching back to my native language.
I launched Language Anxiety Tales to create a space where we can talk openly about these experiences, share stories, and raise awareness about NLA. The channel explores the complexities of language preferences, identity, and the emotional impact of losing fluency in your native tongue.
Why This Cause Is Important to Me
Language is deeply tied to our sense of identity. When our relationship with our native language changes, it can feel like losing a part of ourselves. I’ve experienced this firsthand and know how isolating it can be to feel disconnected from the language you once spoke effortlessly. By creating this channel, I want to bridge that gap and bring visibility to a topic that resonates with so many but is rarely discussed. Together, we can break the stigma, share our stories, and embrace the nuances of our linguistic journeys.
The anonymous survey
This survey aims to explore how language influences our personal identity, cultural connection, and everyday experiences. Whether you primarily use your native language or have adopted a different one, language plays a crucial role in shaping who we are. This study focuses on Native Language Anxiety (NLA)—the feelings of discomfort or anxiety when using one’s mother tongue—and examines how stereotypes and societal expectations can influence language use and preferences. Your participation will help us better understand the complexities of language choice and its emotional impact.
Join the Conversation
Subscribe to Language Anxiety Tales on YouTube, follow the journey, and take part in the survey to help us learn more about the impact of NLA. Let’s build a community where we can support each other, celebrate our diverse language backgrounds, and redefine what it means to be fluent.
Connect with Me:
Note: This project is based in Australia, and I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which I live and work. I pay respect to their Elders, past and present.