Lost Identity?

Embodied in a virtual world, how do you present yourself?

No matter being a newbie or an oldbie, I almost speak in English all the way. It seems normal for me that English is the only dominant language in second life in which everyone should speak. “Is it necessary to use the so-called “international language” for successful socialization in SL” was a question I wouldn’t hesitate to answer with “YES” some time ago.

However, once I ran into a Chinese speaker who asked me to speak Chinese to her in China Town even though she had no idea whether I was a Chinese speaker or not . I felt surprise and inquired what language she used to communicate with people in SL and she responded without hesitation— “Chinese”. I was not sure she spoke English well or not but she told me firmly that Chinese was also an international language.

I’ve started to ponder whether I lost my identity in SL because I am so accustomed to the dominant culture that I am blind to face my own mother language. To be honest, I am pleased about showing my origin to others in the virtual world, yet I tend to reckon English as the only access to the world and presentation of internationalization unconsciously. It is crucial to realize the power of cultural imperialism acting upon myself imperceptibly.

Definitely it is too tough for me to change the situation not to speak English, so I’ve tried to alter my appearance to resemble a Chinese as much as possible in order to reinforce my idnetity. I inquired around where to purchase Chinese avatars and even spent almost all of my Liden on an Asian avatar. Now as a Chinese-looking girl in SL, I feel more comfortable and confident about who I am.