Echoes Of Empowerment | Meriem E. Abida | TEDxBethnal Green Road

[@erynsee1319]

I've never understood when people make fun of someone for having an accent or speaking broken english. That person is talking that way because english is their second or maybe even third language, what's funny about that? It should be treated with respect because being bilingual is actually so impressive. It shows a level of intelligence and dedication that, let's be honest, so many westerners just don't have.

[@mea2829]

Very true! Thanks for sharing your reflection!

[@HoneydripBurn]

her journey of learning different languages is so inspiring! It really shows that it's never too late to start. 🌟

[@mea2829]

To start learning a language, picking up a new skill or even a new hobby! The sky is the limit really or our inner thought 😅

[@declanmackenzie0001]

Absolutely loved the way she highlighted the cultural richness embedded in language. There's a depth of perspective within that idea that I doubt many people have realized

[@mea2829]

Thank you for such a beautiful reflection! The cultural richness ends up influencing people’s habits, it’s very interesting when you look at it !

[@declanmackenzie0001]

@@mea2829 I'll bet! Thanks for the reply

[@realminipowers]

her story about standing her ground in Quebec is so empowering. It takes real strength to hold onto your identity like that.

[@mea2829]

It wasn't easy indeed, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. It also made me richer and I love and appreciate every beautiful season i got to enjoy there ❤🎉 have you been to Quebec before?

[@realminipowers]

@@mea2829 I have spent some time there yes but not as much as I would have liked! So true though experiences like that make you grow in lots of ways 💙🥳

[@mea2829]

Absolutely, I definitely echo your shared reflections. Time is the most valuable yet most neglected factor of life. Awareness and retrospection help us learn more and better shape our futures. No journey is perfect and certainly not mine... we live, we try, we learn and with time we will certainly will grow.

[@sangjhatnih]

Her story is a beautiful example of cultural exchange and understanding.

[@mea2829]

❤❤

[@josievannorman]

I loved hearing about how she uses language learning as a way to connect with her cultural roots. It's such a beautiful journey.

[@mea2829]

Thank you for your kind words ❤

[@lizyvuen]

This talk was such a great reminder of how important it is to keep learning and growing, no matter your age.

[@mea2829]

Well said. With every breath we take, we get an opportunity to grow, learn, and develop as individuals!

[@2ndchanceisthebestchance]

The way she described language as a tool for empowerment was really inspiring and I agree, especially taking back a language that was lost or deliberately oppressed

[@mea2829]

Reclaiming the narrative, always 🎉

[@2ndchanceisthebestchance]

@@mea2829 progress!!!!

[@evan-bailey]

I wasn't sure what to expect, but this talk blew me away. She is such an engaging speaker!

[@mea2829]

Oh waw thank you for your very kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the talk!

[@oliverreserd]

Man this is actually awesome... I'm used to people who brag about being multi-lingual be like, yeah I know French and Italian and Spanish and Portugese and all those European languages that just slot into one another but going from Arabic to Urdu is incredibly impressive

[@mea2829]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that. It’s definitely a different challenge going from Arabic to Urdu, but both languages have such rich histories and cultural depth. Do you speak any languages outside of the European ones?

[@ricardom.arnold]

I like her attitude, that it's never too late to learn something new

[@mea2829]

You got it ❤

[@scottvboland]

I’m intrigued by the concept of language as a ‘portal’ to different cultures. It would be interesting to explore how that idea applies to other forms of cultural exchange as well

[@mea2829]

I’m glad the concept intrigued you! It really does open up a broader conversation about cultural exchange beyond just language. Things like food, art, and even fashion can be powerful ‘portals’ into different cultures as well. What’s a form of cultural exchange that has drawn you in the most?

[@dr.timwalls]

Reclaiming the narrative is always so powerful, whether that's our own personal narratives or as a collective

[@mea2829]

You got it!

[@DollThrone]

Man both sets of her grandparents sound amazing, no wonder she has such an amazing appreciation and grasp of languages

[@sophiachandler4662]

I loved how you connected language to breaking chains. It’s a reminder that language has the power to both include and exclude, depending on how we use it.

[@kenfletcher1306]

Hearing about her experience in Montreal was so interesting, especially the part about French becoming a way to tell stories and resist cultural pressure. It made me wonder what parts of our personalities would be brought out by exposure to different cultures and languages... not just going on holiday and being a tourist but _really_ immersing yourself.

[@mea2829]

Very good question, another great TEDx topic

[@thrasherjoe]

I have a massive amount of respect for anyone who speaks multiple languages. I tried to learn Spanish for about 4 years and it didn't really stick lol

[@mea2829]

Spanish is definitely one of the languages on my list! What was your main learning technique?

[@emmatshields]

It's really cool to think about how language shapes cultures and people... like how German is considered a bit harsh or aggressive but they have words for such niche things lol and then as a people they are really precise and literal? I don't know it's an interesting connection and I wish I knew more about different languages and cultures to make more comparisons like that!

[@mea2829]

Your comparison is right on point, history and reputation basically influences people’s perception about others. Like Arabic for example, it’s perceived to be a harsh language, perhaps how perceive a nation, we project that judgement into the language as well. It’s almost like the people influence the reputation of the languages we encounter 😅

[@chloesanduski]

I loved how she talked about breaking chains and reclaiming narratives. It's such a powerful message especially in regards to decolonization

[@mea2829]

You got it🎉

[@CosmotechJunkie]

What a great reminder that every language we learn opens up a world of possibilities and connections. Almost like little portals into new worlds.

[@mea2829]

Thank you! I love that idea of languages being like little portals. Each one really does offer a new perspective. Do you speak any other languages, or is there one you'd love to learn?

[@thesugarshackishere]

I love the line about freedom starting where someone else’s ends-that's a powerful message.

[@mea2829]

Thank you so much! That line really resonated with me too. It's a reminder of the balance between personal freedom and respecting others.

[@thesugarshackishere]

@@mea2829 absolutely!

[@TheCookieAngel]

I found it really powerful how she said languages are architects of our identities. It’s true, the languages we speak shape who we are.

[@mea2829]

🎉🎉🎉

[@mea2829]

They do, they even influence the way we process information and experience situations... I find it happens with time and usage of the learned languages

[@GunDeeMug]

The connection she made between language and identity gave me lots to think about. People should be multi faceted and I can see how learning another language would add a really big one to the gem that is our self!

[@mea2829]

Very well said! Beauty and strength lies within our own inner diversities… not sure if we can say it this way. But your comment is truly inspirational

[@jus-t-s]

It’s so true that speaking a language gives you access to traditions and ways of thinking that are otherwise hidden ❤

[@mea2829]

Absolutely! Language opens up whole new worlds of culture and perspective. Glad you feel the same ❤

[@MediaSharingStuff]

This was such a fascinating talk. I never thought about how much learning a new language can change your perspective on the world.

[@mea2829]

🎉🎉

[@mea2829]

What a beautiful reflection

[@greennight1239]

Your story about standing your ground in Quebec was really inspiring. It’s so important to stay true to yourself, especially when people try to make you conform to their standards.

[@mea2829]

Thank you! It means a lot to hear that. Staying true to yourself is always worth it.

[@malachijude]

The story about embracing French in Montreal was powerful. It’s really cool to hear how she used language to stand up for herself and others

[@BroadcastSocials]

She says something really early on about the power of language in finding identity and it was so poignant I was hooked. I wish more people felt this way about language.

[@mea2829]

I'm so glad you got that hint!!

[@aaronsswank]

It's amazing how she uses her linguistic skills to empower and connect with people all over the world. Truly inspiring!

[@mea2829]

It's so fulfilling to share that need and pleasure to connect with people from all over the world through language

[@aaronsswank]

@@mea2829 wonderful, agree!!!

[@isabelledanska]

Wow the way she talks about Montreal makes me want to go there... it sounds so beautiful and diverse

[@mea2829]

It definitely is and now you made want to go visit Montreal too!!

[@reaganmosher7769]

Pretty cool that this would be her path when her grandparents founded one of the first bookstores in their town! Obviously language, words and stories are a big part of her bloodline and she is honoring that so wonderfully

[@mea2829]

Reading this was a bliss ❤

[@ayaanthetruth]

I love how she shared her personal experiences with stereotyping and inclusivity. It takes courage to be vulnerable like that, and it helps us all understand the importance of embracing diversity.

[@mea2829]

It wasn't an easy task, but it was an honor to carry this message.

[@emmastandish]

language is truly a portal into different worlds and perspectives.

[@mea2829]

With every language we unveil a new side to ourselves ❤

[@thenextbigthingishere]

Feels like there's no escaping stereotypes. It's so true that people make snap judgements based on the language you speak or how you speak it.

[@jovitasardens207]

Yesss this kind of preservation of language and culture is everything, it is the way to appreciate other cultures ❤❤

[@mea2829]

Very well said!!

[@jacquelinebrumbaugh]

I can totally relate to feeling stereotyped based on the language I speak. It's refreshing to hear someone talk about it so openly.

[@mea2829]

❤❤

[@katienlister]

Her message about reclaiming the narrative and using language as a tool for empowerment is so important. We all have the power to shape our own stories and make a positive impact in the world, it's just a shame that we're not geared towards thinking that way

[@mea2829]

If we did, we would understand each other so much more, and that would allow us to make space for each other. Our world would have been a better place.

[@rajanaasperis3667]

I never thought about how learning a language can be an act of resistance but I will from now on, thank you ❤

[@mea2829]

With your words your reclaim not only the narratives but also reclaim your inherent inner power

[@5letterword]

Her commitment to learning Urdu for her son's sake is so admirable and a great reminder that we can all bridge cultural divides and deepen our connections at the same time

[@mea2829]

Love your reflection 🎉

[@parlyperdot]

It’s so true that learning different languages opens doors to understanding diverse perspectives. I wish this was something I understood earlier.

[@thedeepfocus]

I think her journey really speaks to the power of curiosity and openness, approaching life with that kind of attitude can lead to some really amazing experiences

[@mea2829]

Indeed, many adventures and interesting experiences 🎉

[@TheRubenZepeda]

Her story about embracing Urdu for her son's sake was so heart warming. It's incredible what good parents will do for their kids.

[@mea2829]

Thank you for your kind words! 🎉

[@jycintabrown]

The idea that every language we speak, every skill we have, can be used to empower minds, break chains, and build bridges is pretty damn amazing. Makes me proud of the skills I have and also to hone some new ones

[@mea2829]

Reading this comment made me smile 😃 ❤🎉

[@liza.chowdhury]

Mashallah! Meriem, I have loved listening to your story over and over again, and each time, it leaves me smiling just as it did the first time 😁

[@mea2829]

Ohhhh this makes me feel so warm. Thank you for your kind words ❤

[@AylaFaehSatori]

This is so moving! You are brilliant. Thank you! 🎉

[@julianfritzer]

I feel like learning different languages and especially from an early age would do something pretty awesome to your brain chemistry like on a functional level.

[@mea2829]

Love reading this

[@oscarayala1]

Love what she said about languages being a portal to different cultures.

[@mea2829]

❤❤

[@oguzkaanuremis]

The idea that every language you speak is a tool to empower and connect is a really beautiful perspective. It makes me think that it has a real impact instead of just being a personal skill

[@closeconnections8280]

This talk has me so fired up! I love the thought of being able to break chains through the connections we can form just by sharing language.

[@Hiba.mokhtari_7]

machaalah tabarak erahmane Meriem you did such a great presentation and you spoke so well keep going 😍🥰

[@mea2829]

Thank you so much!!

[@InstantInformant]

I love the emphasis she puts on figuring out the "why" behind everything. It's good be clear about our purpose

[@mea2829]

Thank you!!

[@n-san-eye_t]

How deeply language influences who we are. The way we speak defines us whether we like it or not.

[@lynnecousins]

The transition from Arabic to French and then English was beautifully articulated. It’s inspiring to see how language has been a bridge for so many experiences

[@powerofvoiceacademy]

Beautiful story it is just so poetic and agree with most, so inspirational I want to go and embrace more languages ❤

[@mea2829]

Thank you for your kind words ❤🎉

[@michealdrozd]

Her story about learning languages out of love and necessity was really beautiful. We all have our reasons but those are some of the purest kinds of motivation

[@mea2829]

At the end of the day, it all stems from the need for connecting with the people we love and the community we live amongst ❤

[@sidharper]

Love seeing someone so passionate about languages and learning! Such an inspiration 💜

[@mea2829]

It's really the risilience of wanting to reclaim the narrative, out of necessity... the passion would be for my voice and story to be told in my own words... my own tone... it's really about the need for a sense of belonging and simply the need of being understood. What are you resilient about?

[@poojadelinaer]

Language learning as a tool for empowerment - what a fantastic idea!

[@mea2829]

Thank you!! ❤

[@May-Purple]

I love how she emphasized that languages are more than just tools for communication - they're portals into different cultures and ways of thinking. This is such an important message in today's globalized world.

[@mea2829]

Otherwise, we tend to simply lose our identities. Language are indeed the architects of our identities... what do yoy think?

[@May-Purple]

​@@mea2829 I agree! The way we think and talk is crucial for how our perception is shaped and language is the corner stone of all of that!

[@meenah1010]

I love this Meriem, you just reignited my desire and motivation to learn Arabic Alhamdulillah ❤

[@mea2829]

I am so happy to hear that!! Keep me posted with how things evolve for you

[@Brg2506]

MashALLAH Meriem, très belle présentation. Merci de nous avoir fait découvrir la beauté de la parole nuancée de différentes langues et divers accents. NchALLAH La3kouba à plus de succès et de réussite ❤

[@mea2829]

Merci, ça m'a fait plaisir de lire ton commentaire ❤

[@mounaamier6471]

My cousin is slaying 😍😍😍😍😍 machaAllaaah

[@mea2829]

❤🎉❤🎉❤

[@alexleister]

Learning a new language as a grown up seems so daunting.... like she's making it sound achievable and of course it would be super rewarding but as someone who never even learnt a language at school I just feel like my brain wouldn't be wired for it

[@AbG64]

Amazing work, you are a true inspiration!

[@mea2829]

You are too kind!

[@sweetdreams6953]

Such beautiful perspectives ❤

[@tonirduran]

awesome talk!

[@amrininspired8942]

Mubrouk Masha'Allah Tabarak'Allah great topic & insights Meriem ❤❤❤

[@mea2829]

Thank you do much for your kind words

[@jaradpd]

Man this is so cool, I would love to learn Arabic, there are so many cool ancient texts written in it and to read them in their original language would just be so amazing

[@khirodb5606]

Mashallah, I was partially witness of this journey. In Riyadh and Montreal

[@mea2829]

Ohhh mashaAllah!! Good to see you on here Khiro!!

[@khirodb5606]

@@mea2829 Thank you very much Meriem, تحياتي لكل العائلة

[@mea2829]

@@khirodb5606 Baraka Allahou fik!

[@NoorAcademy11]

So powerful 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@mea2829]

Thank you ❤

[@ThePackHunter]

I get the whole ‘building bridges’ thing, but sometimes people use language as a barrier, too. Like in Quebec, not everyone’s open to French speakers from outside. Would have been interesting to hear her take on that

[@yogidevish]

I love this, so much

[@takoua2takoua281]

Mashallah, amazing 🤩

[@mea2829]

Thank you ❤

[@youllneverknow01]

This is amazing 🤩

[@carllokit]

Love this. What language do you think and dream in?

[@mea2829]

At this point, it really depends on the context of the dream lol how about you?

[@busbydean]

This talk is wonderful but I wish the sound wasn't so all over the place

[@mea2829]

Thank you for your kind words! I didn't really notice the sound before. But now, I kind of do hear what you mean!

[@qiwanggi]

I get that we are all supposed to be open and accepting, but sometimes judgement comes from ignorance rather than malice.

[@mounirseraphin5721]

The brave Meriem ❤

[@mea2829]

Thank you!

[@alicestanser]

I remember wanting to learn sign language because I thought it was the same everywhere, like a global language that would allow me to connect with others more easily but nope lol turns out sign language is different from country to country too. Anyway my point is that it's interesting how even a non verbal language can be specific to certain places

[@iamacatslave]

Oh my I love her. She has such moxy. Lol I wish I knew more languages so I could find more words to describe her

[@mea2829]

I had to Google the meaning od moxy in the urban dictionary 😅 thank you for your beautiful comment and for teaching me something new!

[@dr.abdelazizgahmousse2987]

God bless you big cousin 🎉

[@mea2829]

Thank you so much Abdelaziz 🎉

[@peterdgrubb]

I know what she's saying here is that anyone can do it but I can't help but wonder if some people just have brains that are better wired for learning languages. Personally in school I always struggled with it and never really pursued it beyond school

[@mea2829]

I definitely think that every brain learns languages in different ways, some of us will have the ability to learn more than others, but it's definitely not an easy journey. But very necessary for many of us... Including myself 😊

[@nataliyabelova]

I would give anything to speak a language like Arabic. I love ancient history and there are some books that can only be read in Arabic. Like the translation just doesn't carry over the same beauty or poignancy.

[@mea2829]

That is very true! Know that you have it within you to make it happen. Small and consistent steps will take you far in life ❤

[@awiista]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@jaspernedivek]

Learning Urdu for you son, isn't it crazy how we often do things for our kids that we would never consider doing for ourselves?

[@leah-buttons]

I think the idea of English being the "passport to the world" is a little overstated. Yes, it's widely spoken, but surely it's dependent on where you are. Don't think english is opening any doors for me if I live in china or many other parts of the world

[@hughshotton8920]

This is so cool but I want to know what language she dreams in and what language she thinks in.

[@mea2829]

Hahaha good question! It depends on the dream and who's in it...and my thoughts are in different languages...depending on the topic 😅

[@barbfilbert]

Do you think learning French in Montreal gave you a sense of belonging and speaking it with the natives of Montreal was a way of them accepting you as one of them?

[@bryanestelle]

I'm sorry what's that like 4 languages?? Man I feel like I've barely mastered one.

[@mea2829]

Good question!! It's not easy at times, especially since the first 3 I learned before the age of 13. But the more I practice each language, read its literature and poetry, I become more and more comfortable in it. My urdu is still at a beginner level, I'm taking the same approach to continuously developing my urdu...

[@adairamacdonald]

I’m not sure I agree with the idea that learning languages is the key to empowerment... I think it's more about the actions you take and the choices you make, not just the languages you speak. Language is important, but it’s just one part of the puzzle.

[@bra-nd-on]

Her personal stories were super interesting but I feel like overall the talk lacked a bit of depth on how stereotypes affect people in everyday situations

[@rinanoshinikov]

Her experiences are interesting but I think she's romanticizing things a bit. It’s great to embrace new languages, but it’s not always a smooth, empowering journey for everyone. Sometimes, it’s just plain hard with no real community to connect with at the end of it

[@MrAdnan-l8n]

Hello good life like Dhaka in me

[@_-Sofia-__]

"I wanted more for him, thus, I had to be more for him" ❤🥹👏🏼🤲🏼 So blessed to have met you 💓

[@mea2829]

The pleasure was all mine ❤