What does it mean to have a bicultural identity? It refers to the experience of identifying with and taking part in two cultures. A person can blend the language, values and traditions of their South Asian heritage with those of the country in which they live. This kind of situation is typical of immigrants and their children.
To have a bicultural identity is not just a matter of picking one culture over the other; instead, both cultures can affect the way a person understands their family, their relationships, their work, and themselves. The balance involved may appear natural or it may be difficult.
What does a bicultural identity mean?
A British Pakistani adult will converse with their relatives in Urdu and with their friends in English. Even though they may place a high value on having family involved they might still desire some privacy and independence. Conversely, another person might observe religious traditions but could hold different views on dating, gender or career choices.
The experiences differ. Since South Asia comprises a number of countries, religions, languages and communities, there is no one way of being bicultural or South Asian.
The term bicultural identity integration is used by researchers to indicate whether a person sees their two cultural identities as being compatible or in conflict. Research into culture and the mental health of immigrants shows that greater compatibility between identities is linked to positive mental health and development.
What effect does a bicultural identity have on South Asians?
Feeling Caught Between Two Cultures
People of South Asian origin often experience two different lives—one at home and one when they are outside the home. At home, the family may emphasize duty, the collective good and respect for older people, whereas at school or at work there is a tendency to reward independence and straightforward communication. The process of moving between these different expectations can cause stress, guilt or the sensation that one does not belong anywhere.
The article by us on the mental health of the South Asian diaspora looks at this tension in more detail.
Family and Generational Conflict
Differences will probably become obvious in the areas of education, careers, marriage, religion and personal boundaries. Parents might worry that any change would mean rejecting their family or culture. Adult children might find that having to meet all the expectations leaves them with little room for their own identity.
It doesn’t follow that one of the two generations must be wrong; migration, racism and sacrifice can influence a parent’s fears, while children may have to meet pressures which their parents never did.
Language, Belonging and Self-Expression
The way in which language is used can affect the expression of emotions. It may be easier for you to talk about your needs in English but to connect with family memories when using Punjabi, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu or another language. For more information on the importance of language in South Asian mental health care.
The Strengths of a Bicultural Identity
A bicultural lifestyle can also lead to the development of empathy, flexibility, and a greater cultural awareness. You can learn to understand different points of view, to communicate across generations and to decide which traditions are important to you. It is not necessary for identity to be divided equally in order for it to be valid.
Finding Support With Bicultural Identity
If you understand what bicultural identity means, this will help you to identify the experiences which previously seemed confusing. Therapy can offer you a private setting in which to examine questions of belonging, family pressure, racism and cultural expectations without requiring you to give up on either culture.
If you want to find out more about the influence of culture on mental health in South Asia or if you would like to contact a therapist who is able to understand experiences that are bicultural.
