Nine months ago, Vincent Mboya made a life-changing decision to relocate from Kenya to Toronto, Canada. The move was motivated by the desire for better opportunities and to immerse himself in new cultures. However, this transition has come with its unique set of challenges. Among them, one particularly weighs heavily on the content creator’s mind—his struggle with maintaining fluency in Kiswahili, his native language.
Mboya’s journey in Toronto has been marked by rapid adaptation to new linguistic environments. In a city as diverse as Toronto, the demand to communicate effectively in multiple languages is high. Mboya has found himself using English predominantly, while also engaging in Spanish and French, two other widely spoken languages in the city. The necessity of learning and using these languages has gradually pushed Kiswahili to the periphery of his daily life.
As a content creator, language is a crucial part of Mboya’s identity and work. His early content was deeply rooted in Kenyan culture, resonating with his audience through his authentic use of Kiswahili. However, with less frequent use, Mboya has started to forget certain words and phrases in Kiswahili, sparking concern about losing touch with a core aspect of his heritage.
This experience is not uncommon among expatriates who find themselves in new environments where their native languages are not widely spoken. The fear of cultural erosion is real, as the constant pressure to conform to new linguistic and cultural norms can overshadow one’s original identity.
Mboya’s story highlights the broader issue many face when living abroad—striking a balance between embracing new cultures and preserving one’s roots. While the allure of becoming multilingual and culturally versatile is strong, it comes with the responsibility of staying connected to one’s origins. For Mboya, the journey now involves finding ways to reintroduce Kiswahili into his daily routine, ensuring that this vital part of his identity remains intact even as he navigates his new life in Canada.
