Rahul Roy, a graduate student from India, reflects on the duality of his linguistic experiences as he studies at Yale University. Arriving in the United States, he faced the challenge of effective communication in English, despite his background in multiple languages, including Bengali, Hindi, and Telugu.
Roy's academic journey began at the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi, where he received education in English from an early age. However, he notes that communicating with native speakers remains challenging, particularly when encountering specialized terminology and cultural nuances.
Currently, as a researcher studying the biological characteristics of RNA, Roy experiences a unique linguistic barrier that can lead to feelings of isolation. He describes situations where speaking in front of groups—whether in lab meetings or conferences—feels like walking a tightrope, often leaving him reflecting on his performance afterward.
Despite these challenges, Roy finds solace in the laboratory environment, where the focus is on experimentation rather than language proficiency. He states, “Experiments have no accent, and lab equipment does not care about vocabulary.” In these settings, he feels a sense of comfort and eloquence.
Roy emphasizes the creative advantages of using his mother tongue, particularly during moments of inspiration. He believes that thinking in his native language allows for clearer and more focused problem-solving, free from the constraints of translation.
In his lab, which consists of 25 researchers, most of whom are international students, there is a shared understanding of the struggles associated with language barriers. This camaraderie fosters collaboration and mutual support, creating a unique bond among peers.
However, Roy acknowledges moments of loneliness stemming from navigating between two linguistic worlds. He describes how speaking his native language brings confidence and fluency, while switching to English can induce anxiety and hesitation.
Roy concludes that his multilingual journey has not only shaped his professional life but also his personal identity. He encourages others in similar situations to view their diverse backgrounds as strengths rather than obstacles, asserting that multilingualism is a powerful asset that enhances critical thinking and creativity.
He shares a personal anecdote about solving a complex problem by translating it into his mother tongue, which led to a breakthrough in his research methodology. This experience solidified his belief that being multilingual is not a hindrance in science but rather a distinctive advantage that enriches one's academic journey.