From Shy to Self-Assured: Confidence in Your Mother Tongue

🌸 Introduction

How many times have you hesitated before speaking Urdu, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, or another Desi language—just in case someone might laugh at your accent, correct your grammar, or assume you’re “too FOB”?

For many Gen Z South Asian girls growing up in Western environments, speaking our mother tongue becomes a quiet insecurity. We understand everything—but don’t feel confident enough to speak. Or worse, we’re taught to be embarrassed by it.

But here’s the truth: Your language is your legacy. Reclaiming it is a form of self-love.

This post is a celebration of confidence that starts not in English, but in the words passed down by our mothers, grandmothers, and ancestors.

🪷 Why We Became Shy About Our Languages

Mockery at school (“That sounds funny!” “Ew, why does it sound like you’re fighting?”)
Fear of not sounding ‘fluent enough’
Pressure to assimilate into Western norms
Internalized shame from media and social circles
Lack of representation in mainstream media where our languages are spoken with pride, not for comedic effect

🔥 Why Speaking Your Language Builds Confidence

It connects you to your roots.
Every phrase carries culture, love, and identity. When you speak it, you become it.
You stop seeking external validation.
You speak from the soul, not for applause.
It opens doors to deeper connection.
Whether it’s with a grandparent, a Desi stranger abroad, or your own future kids—language bridges generations.
It shifts your identity.
Instead of seeing yourself as “in-between,” you learn to exist in your full, authentic self—without apology.

🧠 Tips to Go From Shy to Self-Assured

🌱 Small Steps	🎯 Confidence Shift
Speak to a family member in your mother tongue for 5 mins a day	“I’m allowed to sound imperfect while I grow.”
Watch Desi dramas or films without subtitles	“I’m smarter than I give myself credit for.”
Learn 5 new words or phrases each week	“Progress is better than perfection.”
Practice with someone who’s learning too	“Confidence grows when we grow together.”
Respond in your language even if the other person speaks English	“My identity doesn’t need to shrink to make others comfortable.”

✍️ Journal Prompts

What’s one memory I have that connects me deeply to my mother tongue?
When did I first feel shy about speaking it—and why?
What do I admire about the way my parents or grandparents speak?
What do I want to feel when I speak my language? (Pride? Ease? Joy?)
What would I say to my younger self about embracing this part of our identity?

🧠 Confidence in Your Language — Roman Script Practice Toolkit

🔸 English to Hindi (Roman)

English Sentence	Hindi (Roman Script)
I believe in myself.	Main khud par bharosa karti hoon.
I need some space.	Mujhe thodi jagah chahiye.
No, I’m not okay right now.	Nahi, main abhi theek nahi hoon.
Please listen to me.	Kripya meri baat suno.
I’m proud of who I am.	Mujhe apne aap par garv hai.

🔸 English to Urdu (Roman)

English Sentence	Urdu (Roman Script)
I believe in myself.	Mujhe khud par yaqeen hai.
I need some space.	Mujhe thodi jagah chahiye.
No, I’m not okay right now.	Nahi, main abhi theek nahi hoon.
Please listen to me.	Barah-e-karam meri baat sunein.
I’m proud of who I am.	Mujhe apne aap par fakhar hai.

🔸 English to Bangla (Roman)

English Sentence	Bangla (Roman Script)
I believe in myself.	Ami nijer opor bishash kori.
I need some space.	Amar ektu jaiga dorkar.
No, I’m not okay right now.	Na, ami ekhon thik nei.
Please listen to me.	Onugroho kore amar kotha shuno.
I’m proud of who I am.	Ami amar opor gorbito.

🔸 English to Tamil (Roman Script)

English Sentence	Tamil (Roman)
I believe in myself.	Naan en mel nambikkai veikiren.
I need some space.	Enakku konjam idam thevai.
No, I’m not okay right now.	Illai, naan ippodhu sari illai.
Please listen to me.	Dhayavu seidhu en pechu ketkavum.
I’m proud of who I am.	Naan yaar endru enakku perumai.

🔸 English to Malayalam (Roman Script)

English Sentence	Malayalam (Roman)
I believe in myself.	Enikk svanthathil visvasam undu.
I need some space.	Enikku kurachu sthalam venam.
No, I’m not okay right now.	Illa, njan ippozhum sariyalla.
Please listen to me.	Dayavaayi enne kelkuka.
I’m proud of who I am.	Njan aaranu ennathil enikku abhimanam undu.

🔸 English to Punjabi (Roman Script)

English Sentence	Punjabi (Roman)
I believe in myself.	Main apne aap te bharosa rakhda/rahkdi haan.
I need some space.	Mainu thodi jaga chahidi hai.
No, I’m not okay right now.	Nahin, main is vele theek nahin haan.
Please listen to me.	Kirpa karke meri gal suno.
I’m proud of who I am.	Mainu apne aap te maan hai.

🔸 English to Gujarati (Roman Script)

English Sentence	Gujarati (Roman)
I believe in myself.	Hu mara upar vishwas rakhu chu.
I need some space.	Mane thodi jagya joiye chhe.
No, I’m not okay right now.	Na, hu have theek nathi.
Please listen to me.	Kripya mari vaat sambhlo.
I’m proud of who I am.	Hu je chhu te par mane garv chhe.

🔸 English to Nepali (Roman Script)

English Sentence	Nepali (Roman)
I believe in myself.	Ma aafuma bishwas garchu.
I need some space.	Malai ali thau chahinchha.
No, I’m not okay right now.	Hoina, ma ahile thik chaina.
Please listen to me.	Kripaya mero kura sunnuhos.
I’m proud of who I am.	Ma jasto chu, tesma garva cha.

🔸 English to Telugu (Roman Script)

English Sentence	Telugu (Roman)
I believe in myself.	Nenu na meeda nammakam pettukuntunnanu.
I need some space.	Naaku konchem sthanam kavali.
No, I’m not okay right now.	Kadu, nenu ippudu baagane unna. ledu.
Please listen to me.	Dayachesi naa maatlu vinandi.
I’m proud of who I am.	Nenu emi ani naku garvame.

💛 Final Words

Your language is not just about communication—it’s a connection. It’s where your ancestors lived. It’s how your mother told you stories. It’s how your nani or dada once said, “Beta, tu meri jaan hai.”

So speak it.

With pride. With softness. With power.

From shy to self-assured—you’re not just learning your language, you’re returning to yourself.