Reborn Through Language: My Experience in Bahrain
The first sound that stayed with me
When I arrived in Bahrain, my first cultural shock wasn’t visual it was auditory.
One word echoed everywhere: inshallah.
It reminded me of “OJALA (hopefully in English)” but I soon realized it meant much more. It carried trust, patience, and acceptance. That word became my first connection to a culture I didn’t yet understand.
Arabic surprised me from the beginning. It’s an intense, expressive language with high tones. From a distance, conversations often sounded like arguments. Over time, I learned that it wasn’t anger it was emotion. And slowly, I began to appreciate its beauty.
Arriving without a language
When I arrived in Bahrain, I didn’t speak English or Arabic.
That changed everything.
Learning English as a second language changed me. I became quieter, more shy. It felt like my personality was on pause while I learned how to express myself again. Even today, I understand that English isn’t about literal translations it’s about meaning, context, and intention.
Learning a language is learning a new way of thinking.
How I learned to communicate
My survival strategy was simple: learn full sentences. I memorized them, repeated them thousands of times until they came out naturally. I did the same with expressions and daily conversations.
Whenever I needed to say something new, I practiced beforehand. I made pronunciation mistakes and I still do, but I never stopped trying.
That’s why I always say: learn through sentences, not endless vocabulary lists. Sentences give you confidence. Words alone don’t.
The cultural shock I didn’t expect
One of the most surprising things about Bahrain is the importance of family. Every Friday, families gather to eat together, sitting on the floor, sharing food with their hands. At first, it shocked me. Now, I see it as something deeply meaningful.
Another shock was the interaction between men and women. Men avoided eye contact or turned their backs in elevators. At first, I felt confused. Later, I understood it was respect towards me and their families. I also learned to adapt: no handshakes, just a nod and a greeting.
Adapting is also a form of respect.
The moment everything changed
The turning point came when I could finally express myself fluently in English.
I could communicate, teach, connect, and truly be myself again.
It was hard at first. I often felt silly for not being able to express my thoughts. But I learned that speaking another language fluently is like being reborn.
Baby steps.
Consistency and persistence make all the difference.
What I learned about myself
Starting from zero isn’t failure it’s rebirth.
Adapting to a new culture and language showed me a version of myself I didn’t know existed. I learned that I am capable of learning, adapting, and growing in completely new situations.
Living other cultures expands your mind beyond limits. It teaches you the beauty of differences and reminds you that learning never stops.
What is now part of me
From Bahrain, I adopted many things, especially the value of family unity. Being present. Sharing moments.
And yes, I also embraced something very personal: abayas. I love them. They feel elegant, part of my style, paired with outfits, bags, and shoes. They are now part of my story.
This experience transformed me.
And it continues to do so every day.
Because learning, adapting, and growing… never truly ends.
