Posting in My Own Language — Will Anyone Listen?

One of the things I’ve struggled with since moving to the U.S. is deciding what language to use on social media. Back home in Nepal, I post in Nepali; it feels natural, personal, and real. But here, I’ve noticed that when I post in English, more people engage. It’s as if English isn’t just a language, it’s a requirement for visibility. 

This week’s reading reminded me that even though social media is expanding in developing countries, the platforms themselves often prioritize English. That leaves people like me with a choice: post authentically in my own language or switch to English to be seen. I sometimes feel like I’m translating myself just to belong in digital spaces. It’s empowering to have a voice, but frustrating when it feels like I must speak in someone else’s tongue to be heard. 

Comments

  1. --Adam C.July 24, 2025 at 10:43 AM

    This is an interesting perspective that I wouldn't have otherwise thought about since I grew up with English as my native tongue. My question to you would be whether you feel like your posts lose nuance when you post in English versus Nepali. I'm no linguist but I do know that every language has a ton of nuance and intricacies, making them unique. Trying to translate all of that into English might not be possible and I'm curious if, in your experience, you feel like you have to water down your posts when you translate them into English.

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