My family immigrated to the UK from Poland when I was six. I’m 20 now, speak much better English than Polish and feel like this is my land/culture. However I have a Polish first and last name, Polish passport and “unique” accent everyone picks up on, so despite this I’m usually perceived as an outsider. It makes me really sad because I don’t “belong” in Poland anymore either. Everything seems so complicated especially as I’ve gotten older with having to get the right documentation for work and opening a bank account and etc also… Not even sure if I can vote in the next general election even though I feel like I should be able to?

I’ve had a few nasty instances of being told to go back to my own country, even had a conker thrown at my head while a boy yelled Polski at me in year 11, and tbh even just been seen as a novelty and being asked to say something in Polish has gotten really old. I guess I’m just wondering if I’ll ever truly fit in. For some context, I grew up in North England and now live in Wales

  • Timecircleline
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    7 months ago

    I’m not sure if you’re able to pursue citizenship, if it’s something you’re after, but in terms of the “unique” accent- you don’t owe anybody an answer if they ask “where are you from?”

    You can tell them you’re English. You can tell them you grew up in England, truthfully. You can tell them English is the only language you speak. You don’t owe anyone your backstory. If you’re feeling petty or vindictive you can lie and say you have a speech impediment. I know their intentions are likely good but by inquiring about your accent, they are othering you. It’s up to you how you’d like to respond.