Who am I?
Not an easy questions to answer if you think of how my life has shaped the way I am. Born in Taiwan to a Dutch father and a German mother. Raised in Hong Kong, Indonesia and Singapore only to move to Germany when I started my working life.
I hold a passport issued by The Netherlands allowing me to travel to many places, yet I do not consider myself Dutch. My very first language was Chinese which I forgot when we moved to Indonesia. My primary language is English (with an American accent) followed by German, Indonesian, Dutch and French. So I have no “mother tongue”.
So where am I from? I don’t know!
- The Netherlands : never lived there. Spent some summer holidays there as a kid. Love Gouda cheese, licorice and can walk in klompen. Lastly I will be cheering for the Dutch team during the world cup (soccer).
- Germany : Lived there for a long time, my daughter was born there, like the German sausages, but cannot understand their use of articles and excessive capitalization.
- Taiwan : yeah I was born there but since we left when I was 8 months old I can’t really say I’ve been there!
- Hong Kong : besides having been able to speak Chinese as a toddler and remembering living in Deep Water Bay that is about it.
- Indonesia : spent my formative years here and really disliked my parents for moving us to Singapore after 9 years of Jakarta. I love this country despite its many problems that I am moving back and have even married a Balinese (no out of love not for the citizenship!).
- Singapore : a very organized and functioning city. Useful that it is so close to Indonesia, but I could not live there.
- USA : it is one beautiful country and they bring out some good TV shows and movies. Grew up with American language, books, movies etc. Oh and I spent 1 year at a University in the US.
- Switzerland : went to Hotel Management School there out of boredom.
But none of these countries really define me. I have been shaped and molded by my upbringing and experience. Yes my parents are from Europe, but my Dad was born and raised in Indonesia (his parents are Dutch).
I am a global nomad and a 3rd generation TCK!
So interesting to read from an adult TCK! I’ve always thought that I’d sort out all this confusion by 30 but it seems like it could be a lifelong thing. I wonder how your daughter will handle her TCK being 🙂
Thanks! I think it will be an ongoing thing. Sorry about that. It’ll make a more global person. I am 3 generation TCK so might be an exception. Will be posting about my daughters thoughts on her TCK status soon.
I can’t imagine how complicated it being the next generation of a TCK has to be! Oh, how old is she? I somehow assumed she’s still a little kid.
My daughter is two weeks away from turning 18! I will definitely “interview” her on her thoughts of being the next TCK in our family.
oh wow I assumed she was little because I think you look rather young haha
I can’t wait for the interview! 🙂
Oh thanks….. Actually am turning 50 this year, but still feel like a young adult most times.
You’re as old as my mum 🙂 I’m relieved to hear from adults that they still feel young because I’m afraid of becoming a serious and stern person haha
It’s all up to you lah!
Dear Claudia,
My name is Ashlee. I’m co-founder of the Youshare Project, with the mission to connect people around the world through true, personal stories. I recently stumbled across your blog and read several of your stories (my favorites of which include “Am I a Legal Human,” “Pulang Kampung or The Art of Finding Home,” and your About page!). I find your story of being a TCK fascinating. I’d like to invite you to check out our website and ask if you might consider submitting a story?
If this sounds interesting to you, I would love to email you directly with more information and formally invite you to share a story with the project. You have my email address and website. I hope to hear from you soon.
Best,
Ashlee
http://www.youshareproject.com
ashlee@youshareproject.com